IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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PhotogiBphic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY    14580 

(716)  872-4S03 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  canadien  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibiiographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming    Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


L'Institut  a  microfilme  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  ete  possible  de  se  procurer    tes  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-etre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  methode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiques  ci-dessous. 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


D 


Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 


n 


Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 


n 


Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagees 


n 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauree  et/ou  pelliculee 


□ 


Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurees  et/ou  pelliculees 


n 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  geographiques  en  couleur 


Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  decolorees,  tachetees  ou  piquees 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  detachees 


□ 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


D 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


D 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


D 


Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualite  in^gale  de  I'impression 


n 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  avec  d'autres  documents 


D 


Includes  supplementary  maverial/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 


D 


U 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  interieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d  une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte. 
mais,  lorsque  cela  etait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  ete  filmees. 


D 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponibie 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmtd  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata.  une  pelure, 
etc..  ont  ete  filmees  ^  nouveau  de  facon  ^ 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible 


D 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplementaires 


Ihis  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filme  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


26  X 


30X 


■rkt 


28  X 


32X 


K,Vi 


tails 

du 
jdifier 

une 
■page 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photoduplication  Service 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  film^  fut  reproduit  grace  A  la 
g^n^rosit^  de: 

Library  of  Congress 
Photorluplicntion  Service 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nettete  de  l'exemplaire  filme,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim6e  sont  film6s  en  commencant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
derni6re  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commencant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derni^re  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — •►  (meaning   "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning   "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
derni6re  image  de  chaque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  ie  synibole  — »►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbole  V  signifie   'FIN'. 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  etre 
film6s  d  des  taux  de  reduction  differents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  etre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filme  ^  partir 
de  Tangle  sup^rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  a  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d"images  necessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  methode. 


rrata 
:o 


aelure, 


1 

3 

32X 


1  2  3 

4  i  6 

-■ .IILII.     I.    I.— ■        !■—     I.l.ll    l»l....l-    .1  !■■»■ il  I  I      ,. .1,.  I 


9( 


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X 


•.  ..,..>  ti  . 


!     , 


■MJV^Jx^     ._J, 


US.  Go  n  ^1  e-'x;^.  f-t-}'-.  ,  .     ■ 

af  r«^   Into   rii  c    i  j:  ,  r  <  "  .   ,         „ 

^ -  7     REPORT 

Of 

THE  COMMITTEE 

TO  WHOM  WAS  RKFERREO 

SO  MUCH  OF  THE  MESSAQE 

Of  THS 

PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

AT  THE 

COMMENCEMENT  OF  THE  SESSION, 

AS  BKLATES  TO  THE 

SPIRIT  AND  MANNER 

IN  WHICH  THE 

WAR  HAS  BEEN  WAGED  BY  THE  ENEMV. 


JULY  31,   1813. 
Resolution  agreed  to  and  forwarded  to  the  President 


WASHINGTON  : 

A.  &  G.  V/AY,  PRIVfEaS. 

1813. 


■,-faaaaaBTiaai- ,"-  ^&^jM.  . 


"' 'If  ■**wv  (r*^  ■*'n»»iM»»w 


T 


.w- 


REPORT. 


The  committee^  to  wtiom  xvas  re/erred  thai  pari 
of  the  President's  message  "  which  relates 
to  the  spirit  and  manner  in  which  the  war 
has  been  waged  by  the  enemy ^'^ 

REPORT: 

THAT  they  have  collected  and  atranged  all  the 
testimony  on  this  subject  which  could  at  this  time  be 
procured.  This  testimony  is  submitted  to  the  consi- 
deration of  the  huuse,  arranged  under  the  following 
heads : 

First.  Bad  treatment  bf  Attlerlcan  prisoners; 

Second.  Detention  of  American  prisoners  as  Bri. 
tish  subjects,  on  the  plea  of  nativity  in  the  dominions 
of  Britain,  or  of  naturalization  ; 

Third.  Detention  of  mariners  is  prisoners  of  war, 
who  were  in  England  when  the  War  was  declared ; 

Fourth.  Compulsory  service  of  impressed  Ameri- 
can seamen  on  board  British  ships  of  war ; 

Fifth.  Violation  of  fl.igs  of  truce  ; 

Sixth.  R-.nsom  of  American  prisoners  from  Indi. 
ans  in  the  British  service ; 

Seventh.  Pillage  and  destruction  of  private  proper- 
ty on  the  Chcsapca!  .  bay,  and  m  the  neighboring 
country  ; 

Eighth.  Massacre  and  burning  of  American  pri- 
soners surrendered  to  officers  of  Great  Britain,  by  In- 
dians  in  the  British  service.  Abandonment  of  the  re- 
mains of  Americans  killed  in  battle  or  murdered  after 
the  surrender  to  the  British.  The  pillage  and  shoot- 
ing of  American  citizens  and  the  burning  of  their 
houses  after  surrender  to  the  British  under  the  guar, 
antee  of  protection  ; 


Mintl).  Outrages  at  Hampton,  in  Virginia. 

The  evidence  under  the  first  head  demonstrates 
that  the  British  government  has  adopted  a  rigu*  }( 
regulation  unfriendly  to  the  cuntl'ort  and  apparently 
unnecessary  to  the  safe  keeping  of  Ameiican  pri. 
soners  generally.  It  shews  also  instances  of  a  d'r- 
parlure  from  the  customary  rules  of  war  by  the  srlec- 
tion  and  confinement  in  close  prisons  of  particular 
persons,  and  the  transportation  of  th(  m  for  undefined 
causes  from  the  ports  of  the  British  colonies  to  the 
island  of  Great  Britain. 

The  evidence  under  ihc  second  head  establishes 
the  fact,  that  however  the  practice  of  detaining  Ame- 
rican citizens  as  British  subjects  may  be  regarded  as 
to  the  principle  it  involvts,  that  such  detentions  con- 
tinue to  occur,  through  the  agency  of  the  naval  and 
other  commanders  of  that  government.  It  proves 
too,  that  however  unwilling  to  allow  other  nations 
to  naturalize  her  subjects,  Great  Britain  is  disposed 
to  enforce  the  obligation  entered  into  by  their  citi- 
zens when  naturalized  under  her  own  laws.  This 
practice,  even  supposing  the  release  of  every  person 
thus  detained,  obviously  subjects  our  captured  citi- 
zens, up.n  mere  suspicion,  to  hardships  and  perils 
from  which  they  ought  to  be  exempt  according  to 
the  estiiblishid  rules  in  relation  to  prisoners  of  war. 

The  evidence  under  the  third  head  shews,  that 
while  all  other  American  eiizms  were  ptrmitted  to 
depart  within  a  rtasonable  time  after  the  declaration 
of  war,  all  mariners  who  were  in  the  dominions  of 
Great  Britain,  w  hether  they  resorted  to  her  ports  in 
time  of  peace  for  lawful  purposes,  or  were  forced  in- 
to them  under  pretence  of  illegal  commerce,  afe  con- 
sidered prisoners  of  war.  The  injustice  of  this  ex- 
ception is  not  more  apparent  than  the  jealousy  it  dis- 
closes towards  that  useful  class  of  our  iellow  citizens. 
But  the  committee  can  but  remark,  that  if  the  prac- 
tice of  hiring  American  seamen  to  navigate  British 
vessels  is  generally  adopted  and  authorized,  and  that 


tfM«Jiafert«>^4nU?.  t.„Mt.iJliiaa^»mmiiia^m^ 


r 


'•m^-m^mmmMm 


Virginia. 

id  demonjitratcs 
opted  a  rigo-  jf 
I  and  apparently 
Ameiican  pri. 
itanccs  of  a  d^- 
vuT  by  the  srlec- 
ms  of  particular 
m  for  undefined 
I  colonies  to  the 

lead  establiiihes 
detaining  Ame- 
f  be  regarded  as 
detentions  con- 
f  the  naval  and 
ent.  It  proves 
w  other  nations 
itain  is  disposed 
to  by  their  citi- 
vn  laws.  This 
of  every  person 
ir  captured  citi- 
ships  and  perils 
)t  according  to 
isoners  of  war. 
ead  shews,  that 
ere  pt  rmitted  to 
'  the  declaration 
ie  dominions  of 
to  her  ports  in 
were  forced  in- 
mierce,  afe  con- 
slice  of  this  ex- 
?  jealousy  H  dis- 
r  leliow  citizens, 
that  if  the  prac- 
navigate  British 
or! zed,  and  that 


It  is  sutkrtd  appears  from   (he   advertisements  of 
George  Maude,   the  Briii>h  agent   :.t    l»ort  Ur  yal, 
which  is  to  be  found  with  the  testimony  coll'cttd 
under  tlie  first  head,  that  the  naviJ  strength  ot  that 
f-mpirc  will  be  increased  in  proportiDu  to  th'-  ntimher 
of  our  seamen  in  bondaj^e.     'l"he  present  war  l.avp.g 
changed  (he  relation  of  the  two  countries,   the  pre- 
tended right  of  impressment  can  no  loni    r  be  exer- 
cised,  but  the  same  end  mjy  be  accomplished  by  the 
substitution  of  this  mode.      Kvery  seaman  thus  cm- 
ployed   (the  terms  of  whos4-  engagement  have  not 
been  ascertained)  increases  the  naval  strength  of  the 
enemy,  not  only  l>y  depriving  the  United  States  of 
his  active  services,  but  by  ciial)ling  Great  Britam  to 
carry  on  and  even  extend  her  commerce  without  di- 
minishing the  number  of  sailors  employed  in  her  vcs* 

scls  of  war.  .      r       1    I      « 

The  testimony  collected  under  the  fourth  head 
proves,  that  it  is  the  ordinary  practice  of  the  officers 
of  British  armed  vessels  to  force  impressed  Ameri- 
cans to  serve  ?t^ainst  their  country  by  threats,  by  cor- 
poreal punishment,  and  even  by  llie  fcai  of  imincdiate 
execution.  ...an  instructing  commentary  upon  the 
professions  of  the  government,  of  its  readiness  to  re- 
lease  impressed   American  seamen  found  on  board 

ships  of  war.  .  .      ,    i 

On  the  evideiice  collected  under  the  fifth  head.  It 
is  only  necessary  to  observe,  that  in  one  case,  the  case 
of  Dr.  M'Kcehau,  the  enormity  is  iticreased  by  the 
circumstance  of  the  flag  being  divested  of  every  thing 
of  a  hostile  character,  having  solely  for  its  object  the 
relief  of  the  wounded  and   suffering  prisoners  who 
were  taken  at  the  river  Rtiisin  on  the  22d  January, 
1813.     The  treatment  of  Dr.  M'Keehan,  not  by  the 
allies  of  Britain,  but  by  the  officers  of  her  army,  can 
only  be  rationally  accountid  for  by  the  supposition, 
that  it  was  considered  good  policy  to  deter  American 
surgeons  from  going  to  the  relief  of  their  countrymen, 


:f 


« 


It 


It 


as  the  Indian  surgeons  had  a  more  spctdy  and  effec- 
tual mode  of  reUeving  their  sufterings. 

'1  he  evidence  respecting  the  ransom  of  American 
prisoners  from  Indians,  collected  under  the  sixth 
head,  deserves  attention,  principally  from  the  policy  it 
indicates,  and  as  it  is  connected  with  Indian  cruelties. 
Considering  the  savages  as  an  auxiliary  military  force 
in  the  pay  of  Great  Britain,  the  amount  of  ransom 
may  be  regarded  as  part  of  their  stipulated  compen- 
sation for  military  service  ;  and  as  ransoms  would  be 
increased  and  their  value  enhanced  by  the  terror  in- 
iipircd  l)y  the  most  shocking  barbarities,  it  may  be 
fairly  concluded,  whatever  may  be  the  intention  of 
the  British  government,  that  the  practice  of  redeem- 
ing captives  by  pecuniary  means  will  be  occasionally 
quickined  by  the  butchery  of  our  fellow  citizens, 
and  by  indignities  offered  to  their  remains,  as  long  as 
ihe  Indians  are  employed  by  the  enemyJ  The  jus- 
ticf-  of  this  conclusion  is  confirmed  by  the  testimony 
ol  those  witnesses  who  were  retained  after  ransom  as 
prisoners  of  war. 

*J'hc  testimony  collected  under  the  seventh  head 
shews,  that  the  private  property  of  unarmed  citizens 
has  been  pillaged  by  the  officers  and  crews  of  the  Bri- 
tish vessels  ol  war  on  our  coast,  their  houses  burnt, 
and  places  of  public  worship  mutilated  and  defiled. 
It  appears  that  the  officers,  animated  by  the  presence 
of  admiral  Cockburn,  particularly  distinguished 
themselves  in  these  exploits  This  evidence  proves, 
that  they  were  governed  by  the  combined  motives  of 
avarice  and  revenge;  not  satisfied  with  bearing  off, 
lor  their  own  convenience,  the  valuable  articles  found, 
the  others  which  furnished  no  allurements  to  their 
cupidity,  were  wantonly  defaced  and  destroyed.  It 
has  been  alleged,  in  palliation  of  these  acts  of  wanton 
cruelty,  that  a  flag  sent  on  shore  by  the  admiral  was 
fired  upon  by  the  American  militia.  The  evidence 
proves  'his  not  to  have  been  the  fact.    This  pretence 


T 


)re  speedy  and  effec- 
brings. 

ransom  of  American 
ted  under  the  sixth 
\\\y  from  tlie  policy  it 
with  Indiun  cruelties, 
xiliary  military  force 
s  amount  of  ransom 
r  stipulated  compen- 
is  ransoms  would  be 
::€d  by  the  terror  in- 
arbarities,  it  may  be 
be  the  intention  of 
practice  of  redeem- 
will  be  occasionally 
our  fellow  citizens, 
r  remains,  as  long  as 
s  enemy 3  The  jus- 
led  by  the  testimony 
lined  after  ransom  as 

■r  the  seventh  head 
of  unarmed  citizens 
ind  crews  of  the  Bri- 

their  houses  burnt, 
jtilatcd  and  deiiled. 
ated  by  the  presence 
ilarly  distinguished 
his  evidence  proves, 
:ombincd  motives  of 
td  with  bearing  off, 
luable  articles  found, 

allurements  to  their 
1  aiid  destroyed.  It 
these  acts  of  wanton 
I  by  the  admiral  was 
ilia.  The  evidence 
fact.    This  pretence 


.  A  tn  onlv  to  excuse  conduct  which 
has  been  resorted  to  o"i)  '" 

no  circumstances  can  jusuiy.  observations 

'   The  committee  fo^»  f "»;  ;°  3^\  Je  .'ighth  head, 
upon  the  testimony  coUectcd  under  tne  ^^ 

frU  a  perfect  conv.ctjon  ^  ^^ '  ^P^^^.^  of  the  dif- 
other  nation  can  r;;"^  ^^J^^^"^/,:,  nidations  of  honor, 
ferent  witnesses  of  the  gfo^^es  ^motions 

justice  and  humanity  v^^^^^^^^^^  ^  ,,,e 

U  indignation  and  ^«"°^;  ./^^^,     ijiation  nor  excuse, 
nerpetrated  by  Indians,  IS  neitner  pa  ^^^^^^^^ 

tvery  civilized  nation  is  answeraDie  io 
ofThJ  allies  under  their  ^oX^^tuccet  s,  the    arc 
partak.  of  the  advantages  of  thei   ^u^^^^^J^^^^   .^^^,^ 
Equally  partaker,  of  the  odmm  of   lu^^^^  ^^  ^^  ,^,, 

B^ritish  forces  concern  e^^  i„f,. 

river  Raisii.,  are  more  a«^^l  ^       i         ^      f  reason- 

„,y  of  thes^  ^•^^"^^*^!;°"'ThTmL  acr^^         23d  Ja- 
i/g,  however  correct.     The  mass^^^  ^.^^^^^^ 

nuary,  after  the  ^£"»f;^,"j  p.evlnt  it ;  indeed,  it  is 

-"y  ^^^rr^alUhe  circumstances,  that  if  the  British 
apparent  from  all  the  c.rcum  •       ,^      ^vere 

officers  did  no  connive  at  tneir  ^vounded 

criminally  -^.f  en-bo^^^^^^  of  ^         ^^^  ^^ 

prisoners.     But  ^^hat  ma  ^^^^.^^^^  ^^ 

gradat.onof«hccW^eroft^^^^^^^^^^^ 

ihe  refusal  of  the  last  omce^^  countrMiun  were 

"'  '''  ?Lever'i'.dig^^^^^^ 

exposed  to  even  inaiKi"  )  n-gard  to  the 

•mthe  sight  of  m«.  "'to  afcct  a  sac  ed  r  g  _^^ 

dictates  of  honor  and  "='  S'""     K'™  "d  to  the  con. 

fzr\:L  ;si;  -m^rier»i.  »t  pe„nit 

must  inspire  roiu  j      ,       j  ^  q^  ,s  to  be 

,he  Canadian  ^^'^^'^^J^^^^an  IndUn  trophy  as  an 
Snr  n?  f^r  It  jSatWe  ha„  of  Upper  Canada. 


IPMMH 


mm- 


8 

The   commiitfe  huve  considered  it  their  dutv  to 
submit  the  evidence  collected  under  the  ninth  head 
of  the  atrocities  committed   at  Hampton,  ahhongh 
these  enormiiies  have  been  committed  since  their  ap. 
poi.un.cnt.      These  barbarities  may  be  rationally  con- 
sidered Pis  the  consequence  of  the  example  set  by  the 
officers  of  the  naval  force  on  our  coast.     Human  tur- 
pitudt  IS  always  progressive,  and  soldiers  are  prepar- 
ed  lor  tlie  perpetration  of  the  most  dreadful  crimes  by 
the  commission  of  minor  offences  with    impunity. 

/nu  •'"'S'  " ''"  ^"^  ^^*="  instigated  by  the  example 
ol  their  officers,  to  plunder  the  property  and  burn  the 
houses  of  unarmed  citizens,  should  proceed  to  rape 
and  murder,  need  not  excite  surprize,  however  it  may 
inspire  horror.     For  every  detestable  violation  of  hu- 
manity   an   excuse   is   fabricated   or  found.       The 
wounded  prisoners  on  the  northern  frontier  were  mas. 
sacred  by  Indians ;  the  sick  murdered  and  the  wo- 
men  vioUted  at  Hampton  by  the  foreign  troops  in  the 
pay  ol  Great  Britain.  These  pretexts,  admitting  them 
to  be  true,  are  as  disgraceful  as  the  conduct  which 
made  a  resort  to  them  necessary.     Honor  and  map. 
nanimity   not  only  forbid  the  soldier  to  perpetrate 
crimes,  but  require  every  exertion  on  his  part  to  pre- 
vent  them.     If,  i.,  defiance  of  4iscipline,  acts  of  vio- 
Icnce  are  committed  upon  any  individual  entitled  to. 
protection,  the  exemplary  punishment  of  the  offender 
can  alone  vindicate  the  reputation  ot  the  nation  by 
whom  he  IS  employed.    Whether  such  exertions  weii 
made  by  the  British  soldiers,  or  the  character  of  the 
British  nation  thus  vindicated,  the  evidence  will  shew. 
The  shrieks  of  the  innocent  victims  of  infernal  lust 
at  I^atnpton,  were  heard  by  the  American  prisoners, 
but  «ere  too  weak  to  reach  the  ears  or  disturb  the 
repose  of  the  British  officers,  whose  duty,  as  men. 
required  them  to  protect  every  female  whom  the  fori 
tune  of  war  had  thrown  into  their  power.    The  com- 
mittee  will  not  dwell  on  this  hateful  subject.    Human 
language  affords  no  terms  strong  enough  to  express 


H 


ed  it   their  duty  to 
)der  the  ninth  head 
H.impton,  ahhoiigh 
lilted  since  their  ap- 
ay  be  rationally  con- 
example  set  by  the 
:oast.     Human  tur- 
soldiers  are  prepar. 
dreadful  crimes  by 
ts  with    impunity. 
:ed  by  the  example 
>perty  and  burn  the 
Id  proceed  to  rape 
ze,  however  it  may 
3le  violation  of  hu- 
or  found.      The 
frontier  were  mas* 
dered  and  the  wo. 
reign  troops  in  the 
ts,  admitting  them 
he  conduct  which 
Honor  and  mag- 
lier  to   perpetrate 
on  his  part  to  pre- 
pline,  acts  of  vio- 
ividual  entitled  to. 
:nt  of  the  offender 
ot  the  nation  by 
ch  exertions  were 
e  character  of  the 
■idence  will  shew, 
ns  of  infernal  lust 
lerican  prisoners, 
's  or  disturb  the 
se  duty,  as  men. 
le  whom  the  for- 
ower.    The  com- 
subject.    Human 
r»ough  to  express 


the  emotions  which,  the  examination  of  this  evidence 
has  awakened  :  they  rejoice  that  these  acts  have  ap- 
peared  so  incredible  to  the  American  people,  and  for 
the  honor  of  human  nature,  they  deeply  regret  that 
the  evidence  so  clearly  establishes  their  truth.  In  the 
correspondence  between  the  commander  of  the  A  me- 
rican  and  British  forces,  will  be  found  what  is  equi- 
valent to  an  admission  of  the  facts  by  the  British  cotii- 
mander.  The  committee  have  yet  to  learn  that  the 
punishment  of  the  offenders  has  followed  the  convic- 
tion of  their  guilt.  The  power  of  retaliation  being 
vested  by  law  in  the  executive  magistrate,  no  mea- 
sure is  considered  necessary  to  be  proposed  but  the 
resolution  annexed  to  this  report. 

As  such  enormities,  instead  of  inspiring  terror,  as 
was  probably  intended,  are,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
committee,  calculated  to  produce  a  contrary  effect, 
they  submit  for  the  consideration  of  the  house,  the 
following  resolution  :  ,.,*.,  « 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  thd  United  States 
be  requested  to  have  collected  and  presented  to  this 
house,  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war, 
evidence  of  every  departure  by  the  enemy  froin  the 
ordinary  modes  ol  conducting  war  among  civilized 

nations. 

2 


'  i 


DOCUMENTS. 


No.  1. 


Bad  treatment  of  American  prisoners  by  the 
British, 


SIR, 


WASHINGTON,  May  24th,  1813. 


I  HAVE  received  your  favor  of  the  22d  instant, 
and  hasten  to  reply  to  the  questions  therein,  respect- 
ing the  case  of  captain  Jeduthun  Upton,  late  com- 
mander of  the  privateer  brig  Hunter,  of  Salem.  Cap- 
tain  Upton  was  taken  in  the  month,  I  believe,  of  No- 
vember  last,  off  the  western  islands,  !)y  the  British 
frigate  Phoebe,  captain  Hilliard.  In  chase,  captain 
Upton,  as  is  usual  in  such  cases,  threw  his  guns  over- 
board to  case  his  vessel,  in  hopes  by  that  means  to 
facilitate  his  escai^e  from  the  enemy  ;  but  this  not 
availing,  he  was,  as  above  stated,  taken  and  carried 
into  Plymouth,  in  England,  where,  on  his  arrival,  he 
was  immediately,  with  his  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  Wayne, 
put  into  Mill  Prison  and  refused  his  parole  on  the 
plea  that  he  had  not  on  board,  when  captured,  fourteen 
mounted  carriage  guns  above  the  calibre  of  four 
pounders.  After  having  been  thus  closely  confined 
for  3  or  4  months  in  a  filthy  jail,  they  were  in  the 
month  of  March  taken  out  and  sent  on  board  the 
prison  ship  at  Chatham,  where,  when  I  left  England 
in  April  last,  they  still  were,  in  a  worse  situation,  if 
possible,  than  in  Mill  prison.  The  allowance,  sir,  to 
American  prisoners  in  England,  you  are  acquainted 
with  ;  it  is,  therefore,  not  necessary  for  me  to  men- 
tion  it  here.  It  is  but  justice  to  state,  that  the  captain 


TS. 


prisoners  by  the 


J,  May  24th,  18  J  3. 

)r  of  the  22d  iiwtant, 
3ns  therein,  respect- 
III  Upton,  late  com- 
iter,  of  Salem.  Cap- 
th,  I  believe,  of  No- 
nds,  l)y  the  British 
In  chase,  captain 
threw  his  guns  over- 
es  by  that  means  to 
emy  ;  but  this  not 
,  taken  and  carried 
re,  on  his  arrival,  he 
itenant,  Mr.  Wayne, 
d  his  parole  on  the 
n  captured,  fourteen 
the  calibre  of  four 
lus  closely  confined 
1,  they  yjere  in  the 
sent  on  board  'the 
ivhen  I  left  England 
worse  situation,  if 
le  allowance,  sir,  to 
you  are  acquainted 
ary  for  me  to  men- 
ate,  that  the  captain 


11 

oi  the'Phcebe  petitioned  the  transport  board  and  used 
every  exertion  in  his  power  to  obtain  the  paroles  ot 
captain  Upton  and  Mr.  Wayne,  but  all  would  not  do ; 
they  were  deaf  to  his  petition,  lost  as  they  are  to  eve- 
ry  sentiment  of  honor,  and  every  principle  of  huma- 

""Exceptcaptuin  Upton  and  his  first  lieutenant,  all 
the  rest  of  his  officers  and  crew  were  sent  on  board 
the  prison  ship  on  their  first  arrival  ^t  Plymouth ; 
amoLgst  them  was  the  doctor  of  the  Hv-nter.  Mr. 
Carter,  who  came  borne  in  the  cartel  Robinson  I  ot- 
I  ter.     What  I  have  stated  respectinethe  treatment  ot 

captain  Upton  and  Mr.  Wayne,  I  know  to  be  acts, 
as  I  had  the  honor  of  spendii^g  24  hours  m  Mil  pri- 
son with  them,  and  heard  those  facts  related  by  them- 

selves. 

Very  respecttully, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
,       Sir. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
ALEXANDER  COFFIN,  Jr. 

J.  Mason,  Esq,. 

Commissary  General  of  Prisoners. 


NAVY  YARD,  CHARLRSTOWN, 

June  3d,  181S. 

SIR, 

1  HAVE  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  a  deposi- 
tion respecting  inhuman  treatment,  which  Mr.  Ni- 
chols, late  commander  of  the  private  armed  ship 
Decatur,  belonging  to  Newburyport,  has  recmed 
from  the  British  government  at  Barbadoes.  I  have 
been  credibly  informed  that  captam  Nichols  is  u 
very  respectable  and  correct  man,  therefore  a  fair  pre- 


bumption,  that  he  has  not  committed  himself  in  such 
a  manner  as  ought  to  deprive  him  of  the  established 
tights  o{  a  prisoner  of  war.  Any  measure  which  the 
government  of  our  country  may  see  proper  to  adopt 
in  constquenqe  of  this  communication,  1  shall  readily 
Sittend  to, 

I  have  the  honor,  sir,  to  be, 

Very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Wm.  bainbridge. 

Hon.  William  Jones,  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
City  of  VVasliington. 


I,  James  Foot,  of  Newburyport,  in  the  county  of 
Essex  and  commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  mariner, 
testify  and  depose,  that  I  was  a  prize- master  on  board 
the  private  armed  brigantine  Decatur,  oi  Newbury, 
port,  in  her  late  cruize,  William  Nichols  commander : 
That  on  the  18th  day  of  January,  now  last  past,  the 
said  brigantine  was  captured  by  his  Britannic  majcs- 
ty's  frigate  Surprize,  commanded  by  captain  Cochran, 
and  carried  into  Baroadoes.  After  our  arrival  in 
Barbadoes,  captain  Nichols,  with  the  other  officers  of 
the  Decatur,  were  paroled.  About  two  months  after 
our  arrival,  his  Britannic  majesty's  frigate  Vesta  ar- 
rived in  Barbadoes,  and  through  the  infiuence  of  the 
commander  of  the  Vesta,  captain  Nichols,  without 
any  known  or  pretended  cause,  was  arrested  and  held 
in  close  confinement,  without  liberty  to  speak  to  any 
of  his  officers  or  any  other  American.  The  place 
where  captain  Nichols  was  confined  was  about  four 
feet  in  width  and  about  seven  feet  in  length,  on  board 
a  prison  ship,  where  he  remained  for  thirty- four  days, 
as  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,  and  was  then  taken  on 
board  his  majesty's  ship  Tribune  and  carried  to  Eng- 
land.    What  the  cause  of  the  unwarrantable  and  un- 


iinself  in  such 
be  established 
jure  which  the 
oper  to  adopt 
I  shaU  readily 

be, 

ant, 
ABRIDGE. 

^1 


the  county  of 
isetts,  mariner, 
lastcr  on  board 

01  Newbury- 
s  commander : 
V  last  past,  the 
ritannic  rnajcs- 
iptain  Cochran, 
our  arrival  in 
)ther  officers  of 
o  months  after 
igate  Vesta  ar- 
iQuence  of  the 
chols,  without 
rested  and  held 
[o  speak  to  any 
n.  The  place 
ivas  about  fotir 
ngth,  on  board 
lirty.four  days, 

then  taken  on 
carried  to  Kng- 
uitable  and  un- 


l3 

iustifiablc  conduct  of  the  enemy  towards  captain  Ni- 
chols was,  I.  am  unable  to  state  :  there  were  several 
•reports  in  circulation;  one  was,  that  he  was  to  be 
carried  to  England  and  held  a  prisoner  until  the  re. 
lease  of  certain  men  in.  France,  from  whom  captam 
Nichols  recaptured  his  vessel,  which  had  been  taken 
by  the  British  before  the  commencement  of  the  pre- 
sent  war  between  the  two  countries :  another  report 
was,  that  he  was  to  be  held  until  the  close  of  the  war 
on  account  of  his  having  been  active  against  the  ene- 
my  since  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  and  hav- 
inir  been  fortunate  in  a  former  cruize. 
^  JAMES  FOOT. 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 

ON  this  thirty.first  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  1813,  personally  appeared  James  Foot,  the  sue- 
scribertothe  foregoing  deposition  and  made  solemn 
oath  that  the  same  is  true. 

Before  me  jaCOB  GERRISH, 

Justice  of  the  Peace, 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Commissary  General  of 
prisoners,  to  Alexander  Steivart,  esq.  United  States* 
a^ent  for  prisoners,  at  Jamaica,  dated 

May  1st,  1813. 

"  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  an  advertisement,  said 
to  have  been  taken  from  a  Jamaica  news-paper,  appa- 
rentlv  put  forth  by  the  British  agent  lor  prisoners 
propos  ng  to  hire  out  American  prisoners:  J""  ^ill 
eZire  into  this  matter,  and  if  it  be,  as  has  been 
stated,  you  will  remonstrate  strongly  against  such  a 
practic/;  and  inform  me  of  the  practice,  and  the 
result."  * 


It  '■ 


^Referred  to  in  the  preceding  extract.] 

PORT  ROYAL,  25th  November,  1812. 

Masters  of  vessels  about  to  proceed  to  England 
with  convoy,  are  informed  ihat  they  may  be  supplied 
vith  a  limited  number  of  American  seamen  (prison- 
ers of  war)  to  assist  in  navigating  their  vessels,  on 
the  usual  terins,  by  applying  to 

GEORGE  MAUDE,  agem. 


Extract  from  a  memorial  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of 
State  by  James  Orm,  -Joseph  B.  Cook,  Thomas 
Humphries  and  others,  masters  of  American  ves- 
sels, who  nverc  prisoners  of  war  in  England,  and 
returned  to  the  United  States  in  the  cartel  ship  Ro- 
binson Potter, 

»•  We  shall  now  proceed  to  give  as  correct  a  state- 
nient  as  we  can  of  the  treatment  of  our  coimtrymea 
(prisoners  of  war)  by  the  British  in  England.  On 
the  arrival  at  Plymouth  of  the  masters,  first  mates, 
supercargoes  and  passengers,  tiuy  are  sent  to  Mill 
prison  for  one  day  and  night ;  they  have  an  iron  bed- 
stead to  sleep  on,  with  a  small  matrass  which  might 
easily  be  put  into  a  countryman's  wallet,  and  a  small 
coarse  blanket.  The  allowance  fur  twenty-four  hours  is 
three  small  salt  herrings  or  about  the  same  weight  of 
sailed  cod-fish,  or  half  a  pound  of  beef,  <)ne  and  a 
half  pounds  of  black  bread,  a  little  salt,  &c.  &c.  The 
second  day  thev  are  paroled  and  sent  to  Ashberton, 
twenty  four  miles  from  Plymouth;  they  must  pay 
their  own  expenses  to  get  there.  While  they  are 
there  they  are  allowed  Is  3d  per  diem,  or  85  9d  ster- 
ling per  week.  Beef  is  \0d  per  pound,  l^read  in  pro- 
portion,  and  every  other  necessary  equally  dei»r.  'Ii'he 


•tcli.] 
mber,  1818. 

:d  to  England 
ay  be  supplied 
;umen  (prisoii- 
eir  vessels,  on 

IDE,  agent. 


he  Secretary  of 
Cook,  Thomas 
American  ves- 
England,  and 
cartel  ship  Ro- 


correct  a  state- 
ur  count rymea 
Kngland.  Oa 
rs,  first  mates, 
re  sent  to  Mill 
ire  an  iron  bed- 
>s  which  might 
let,  and  a  small 
ly-four  hours  is 
iame  weight  of 
>et  f,  (me  and  a 
,  &c.  &c.  The 
to  Ashberton, 
they  must  pay 
Vhile  they  are 
,  or  8j  9d  ster- 
1,  bread  i«  pro- 
tally  dt»r.  'Khe 


15 

mates,  who  have  nothing  but  their  pay  to  live  upon, 
join  together  8  or  10  in  a  n»ess,  hire  a  room  and  do 
their  own  cooking,  washing,  &c.  &.c.  and  in  this  way 
make  out  to  keep  from  starving.     Masters,  supercar. 
goes  and  passengers,  generally  have  other  resources, 
through  their  correspondents  in  England,  and  make 
out  to  live,  by  great  economy,  at  from  30^  to  355 
sterling  per  wet- k  ;  the  second  mates  and  othtr  offi- 
cers are  sent  on  board  the  different  prison  ships     On 
board  some  of  them  they  are  treated  by  the  command- 
ing officer  as  well  as  the  nature  of  the  situation  will 
admit  ;  on  board  of  some  othtre  they  are  very  badly 
treated.     This,  it  will  naturally  occur  to  you,  sir,  is 
owing  to  the  different  characters  of  the  different  com- 
manders.    Their  allowance  is  10^  lb.  brown  bread, 
2^ lb  beef,  21b.  bad  fish,  21b.  potatoes,  and  10  ounces 
barley  per  week  for  each  man,  and  5  ounces  salt  per 
week  for  ten  men.     The  prison  ships  are  kept  very 
filthy,  and  the  prisoners  are  confined  below  at  4  p.  m. 
and  are  kept  in  that  situation  until  7  or  8  a.  m.    At 
Portsmouth  particularly,  they  are  very  sickly,  and  we 
are  informed  die  very  fast,  some  days  from  8  to  10; 
in  fact,  they  are  very  sickly  on  board  all  of  them  ; 
several  of  this  description  came  home  with  us  in  the 
Robinson  Potter  cartel,  and  had,  when  they  came  on 
board,  the  appearance  of  having  made  their  escape 
from  a  church  yard.     It  is  not  perhaps  amiss,  that 
we  should  state  what  we  firmly  believe  ;  that  is,  it  is 
the  policy  of  the  British  government  to  select  the  sick- 
ly to  be  first  sent  in  cartels,  and  keep  thp  hale  and 
hardy  seamen  until  they  Ijecome  sickly,  thus  render- 
ing  the  whole  of  those  gallant  sons  of  Neptune  who 
escape  death,  when  they  return  to  their  homes,  at 
least  for  some  lime,  perfectly  useless  to  themselves 
and  quite  so  to  their  country  from  their  debilitated 
state  ;   and^  in  fact,  the  probability  is,  that  many  of 
them  will  curry  to  their  graves  the  indelible  stamp 
upon  thtir  C(Mistilulions  of  the  treatment  which  tht^ 


16 


rtceived  on  board  Uritibli  prison. ships  ;  for  that  na- 
tion seems  to  have  lost  its  boasted  humanity,  and  if 
we  did  not  find  the  word  in  their  vocabulary  we  should 
suppose  it  had  never  found  a  place  there.  Many  of 
the  seamen,  prisoners  on  board  those  prison-ships, 
are  impressed  Americans  who  have  given  themselves 
up,  refusing  to  fight  against  their  couutry.  four  hun- 
dred on  hoard  the  fleet  in  the  Mediterranean,  a  short 
time  before  we  left  England,  surrendered  themselves 
and  were  sent  to  Gibraltar  and  England  ;  several  of 
them  were  most  severely  flogged  for  refusing  to  do 
their  duty,  were  put  in  irdns,  and  most  of  them,  to 
their  immortal  credit,  submitted  to  the  severest  pu- 
nishment in  preference  to  assist  the  enemies  of  their 
country.  Some  of  us,  whose  signatures  are  annex- 
ed, were  witnesses  to  the  cruel  fact.  A  tablet  of  gold 
is  not  rich  enough  to  inscribe'  the  names  of  such 
men  upon,  and  when  a  country  can  boast  of  such  sea- 
men, she  has  nothing  to  fear  from  the  enemy  on  the 
ocean  on  an  equal  footing.  Captain  Judathan  Upton, 
late  m;»ster  of  the  private  armed  brig  Hunter,  of  Sa- 
lem, of  14  guns,  because  he  threw  them  overboard 
in  chase,  was  not  allowed  his  parole,  but  kept  in  close 
confinement  for  a  long  time  in  Mill  prison,  and  lately 
has  been  sent  on  board  a  prison-ship  at  Chatham. 
We  mention  these  facts  in  hopes  that  government 
will  retaliate  exactly  in  the  same  way.  Captain  Sa- 
muel Turner,  late  master,  of  the  Purse  schooner,  of 
New  York,  was  taken  on  his  passage  to  France  in 
October,  1811,  prior  to  the  war,  and  in  retaking  his 
vessel,  the  prize-master,  a  British  midshipman,  was 
killed  ;  he  arrived  safely  in  France,  and  on  his  return 
to  America  was  again  taken,  in  June,  1812,  and  sent 
to  England,  when  being  recognized,  he  was  immedi- 
ately arre&ted  and  sent  on  board  the  St.  Salvador,  ad- 
miral Caldtr's  flag  ship,  at  Plymouth,  where  he  re- 
mained a  close  prisoner  until  about  January  or  Febru- 
ary  last,  when  he  was  sent  on  board  the  prison  ship  at 


>!> ;  for  that  na^' 
iumantty,  and  if 
ulary  we  should 
icre.  Many  of 
le  prison-ships, 
ivcn  themselveii 
itry.  Four  hun- 
rranean,  a  short 
cred  themselves 
ind  ;  several  of 
refusing  to  do 
inst  of  them,  to 
he  severest  pu- 
•nemies  of  their 
ures  are  annex* 
A  tablet  of  gold 
names  of  such 
ast  of  such  sea* 
;  enemy  on  the 
udathan  Upton, 
Hunter,  of  Sa* 
hem  overboard 
ut  kept  in  close 
rison,  and  lately 
p  at  Chatham, 
lat  government 
.  Captain  Sa- 
se  schooner,  of 
e  to  France  in 

in  retaking  his 
idshipman,  was 
id  on  his  return 

1812,  and  sent 
he  was  immedi* 
t.  Salvador,  ad- 
,  where  he  re- 
nuary  or  Febru- 
e  prison  ship  at 


17 

Chatham,  where  we  fear  he  will  remain  until  deaili 
relieves  him:  he   has  been   very  ill  treated,  much 
abused,  put  in  irons,  and  after  threatened  to  be  hang- 
ed.     These  facts,  some  of  us  who  sign  this,  were 
witness  to.     We  pray,  in  the  mmc  of  jusiicc,    that 
government  will  take,  without  delay,  the  case  o|  cap. 
tain  Turner  into  their  serious  considcraiioii ;  U  is  a 
case  which  we  think  demands  it,  and  the  only  way  to 
prevent  that  nation  from  committing  further  outrages 
80  degrading  to  human  nature.     We  find  m  Roman 
history,  that  an  injury  or  insult  offered  to  a  Kom  tn  ci- 
tizen by  a  foreign  power  was  considered  as  au  insu  t 
offered  the  whole  Roman  natioii,  and  hope  this  wi  lal- 
so  be  the  American  creed,  because  we  believe  it  Wil»  be 
the  surest  way  of  putting  a  stop  to  those  indignities 
which  Americans  have  so  often  been  obliged  to  suitor. 
We  are,   however,  no  advocates  for  cruelty,  but  on 
the  contrary,  for  lenity  ;  yet  we  still  believe,  that  in 
certain  cases  retaliation  is  not  only  necessary  but  be- 
comes  a  duty  to  prevent  further  cruelties  on  the  part 
of  an  enemy." 


NASSAU,  November  27,  1813. 

PEAR  BROTHER, 

I  EMBRACE  this,  the  earliest  opportunity 
of  communicating  to  you,  that  on  the  9th  instant,  fif- 
teen  daVs  out,  we  fell  in  whh  and  captured  the  fine 
copper  bottomed  ship  Venus,  vessel  and  cargo  worth 
at  least  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  On  the  12th, 
pursuing  our  course  and  within  five  days  run  of  your 
place,  we  were  captured  by  his  majesty's  sloop  Mo- 
selle  George  Moubray,  commander,  and  brought  into 
this  place.  We  remained  on  board  the  sloop  two  or 
three  days,  and  on  the  19th  were  transferred  from 
thence  to  the  prison. ship  where  we  are  now  imprison. 


18 


eel,  witli  uii  ailowafjce  of  6  02.  of  bread,   3  gills  of 
rice,  8  oz.  of  the  worsl  of  beef,  including  bon'. ,  which 
IS  as  much  as  meat,  with  as  much  brackish  water  as 
we  can  use      guarded  day  and  night  by  10  or  15  sa- 
vage Africai  ,,  who  are  total  strangers  to  humanity, 
and  confined  every  evening  at  sun  down,  not  to  be 
relcastd  until  next  moniinp  sun  rise,  abustd  to  the 
lov\  est  degree  by  the  guard,  and  compelled  to  find 
salt  for  and  cook  our  own  victuals  with  green  man- 
goes.    None   of  us  are  ever  permitted,    under  any 
conditions  whatever,  to  vibit  the  shores,  with  many 
Other  barbarous  acts,  which  are  too  numerous  to  d  • 
scribe.     This  will  be  conveyed  by  the  cartel  sloop, 
captain  Cooper,   being  the  second  cartel  which  has 
sailed  since  our  arrival  here.     A  schooner  from  Bal- 
timore  was  only  alioived  8  men,  and  Cooper,   who 
brought  64   prisoners,  is  only  allowed  18  in  return, 
while  we,  18  in  number,  are  detained  io  this  misera- 
ble  place  ;  for.ivhich   we  cannot  assign  any  reason, 
except  to  punish  us  as  privatecrsmen,  or  as  hostages 
lor  those  12  lately  detained  in  Charleston  ;  this  last  is 
the  general  belief,  and  as  such,  I  deem  a  communi- 
cation  of  the  circumstance  essential  to  commodore 
Dent,  commander  of  the  southern  station,  that  he  may 
look  to  it  and  itfquirc  the  cause  why  Americans  arc 
to  be  detained  here  two  or  three  months,  while  more 
prisoners  have  been  received  here,  by  a  great  many, 
than  what  have  been  sent  to  the  United  States.     Men 
who  have  arrived  here  since  wc,  have  been  sent  off; 
they  proceed  with  no  degree  of  regularity  in  the  ex- 
change  of  prisoners,  and  act  in  open  contradiction  to 
every  thing  right,  and  really  believe,  that  except  you 
make  known  the  circumstance  ar.  1  isf    ^o'^e  favora- 
ble  exertions,  that  some  of  us  will  h/^  t'  ♦entionall 
detained   until  the  end   of  our  f  r  h,  n^  r..  .jtest  with 
Great  Britain,     As  I  wish  your  exertions  for  our  ex- 
change, I  have  subjoined  a  list  of  those  who  are  thus 
miserably  treated,  that  we  may  be  demanded  in  a  pro- 
per  way.     The  Rapid's  crew  have  been  imprisoned 


<!■ 


bread,  3  gills  of 
ling  boiir,  which 
rackish  water  as 

by  10  or  15  sa- 
Ts  to  humanity, 
clown,  not  to  be 
',  abusfd  to  the 
tmptlled  to  find 
vith  green  man- 
ted,    under  any 
res,  with  many 
numerous  to  d  • 
be  cartel  sloop, 
artel  which  has 
ooner  from  Bal- 
1  Cooper,  who 
d  18  in  return, 
1  ill  this  miscra- 
ign  any  reason, 
,  or  as  hostages 
ton ;  this  last  is 
em  a  communi- 
to  commodore 
ion,  that  he  may 

Americans  arc 
ths,  while  more 
1  a  great  many, 
d  States.     Men 

been  sent  off; 
f»rity  in  the  ex- 
contradiction  to 
that  except  you 
;<  sc»ne  favora. 
b/»  V  ♦entiona!!' 
".  •  .itest  with 
ions  for  our  ex- 
»e  who  are  thus 
landed  in  a  pro- 
ecn  imprisoned 


here  near  three  months,  and  have  now  no  pioapcct  of 
getting  away,  while  the  c»  ws  of  two  other  privatt-ers 
have  been  released. 

CHEW  OF  THE  LOVEI  Y  LASS. 
Lieut,  Aut'me  Lambert,      John  Gamac/ie, 
William  L  Robisotiy 
IVilliam  Thomas, 
Ju/m  Crandel, 


John  Hynes, 
Darius  Swain, 
John  i\tKenzie, 


JJavid  Ashton, 

RAPID'S  CREW. 
Captain  Lameson,  James  T.  Miller, 

Peter  La  l^illa,  Francis  Martin, 

George  Alexander,  Gaugion  Bigulows. 

OTHER  PRISONERS. 
Simon  ff^est,  Matthe^v  Bridge. 

I  wrote  Mr.  Peck  and  requested  him  tc  forward 
me  a  letter  of  introduction  to  some  one  here,  and  also 
a  protection  shewing  that  1  am  an  American.  As  ii  is 
possible  that  he  may  not  get  my  letter,  you  will  notice 
my  request  and  pay  thai  attention  which  it  deserves. 
I  mentioned  in  my  letter  to  Mr.  Peck,  that  any  funds 
which  I  received  here  wowld  be  returned  on  applica- 
lion,  as  my  expenditures  will,  through  .an  economical 
principle,  be  as  smyU  as  possible.  I  indulge  the  hope 
that  you  will  conform  to  my  wishes  in  this  particular, 
and  also  inform  Mr.  Kelly  of  our  imprisonment  here,, 
and  request  his  influence  in  facilitating  our  exchange, 
with  any  other  .service.  ,       .  ^         .       , 

We  have  no  chance  of  gammg  miormation  her^. 
Kvery  person  uses  every  exertion  to  keep  us  in  igno- 
rance ;  however,  we  are  enabled  to  say,  that  the  Kn- 
glish  prisoners  have  generally  combined  in  speaking 
of  the  treatment  they  received  in  the  U.  States. 
I  am  your  aflfectionate  brokher, 

WILLHAM  L.  ROBESON. 

Capt.  Thomas  J.  Robeson. 


""mummm 


N.  B.  The  Moselle,  Rhodian  and  Variable,  three 
men  of  war,  have  just  convoyed  5  or  6  vessels  over 
the  bar  bound  to  some  part  of  England,  it  is  sL'ppos* 
ed  that  they  will  return  to  cruize  oflf  Charleston.  In 
case  you  address  or  send  any  thing  for  r.ie  to  this 
place,  you  will  direct  to  the  care  of  Messrs.  Bain, 
Dunshe  &  Co.  merchants  here. 


I  am  yours,  &c. 


W.  L.  R. 


HARTFORD,  May  9,  1813. 

SIR, 

Annexed  is  captain  Samuel  Chew's  deposition 
taken  before  judge  Edwards  at  New  Ha-en.  Wc 
expected  it  in  season  to  have  forwarded  it  by  Mr. 
Dodd,  but  received  it  last  evening  bv  Mr.  Hunting, 
ton,  the  United  States'  attorney  for  Connecticut  dis- 
trict, and  now  forward  it  to  you  per  mail. 

Your's  respectfully, 

LUTHER  SAVAGi:&  Co. 

Hon.  James  Monroe. 


Connecticut  District,  ss. 

On  this  day,.the  7th  of  May,  in  the  year  of  out 
Lord  eighteen  hundred  and  thirteen,  personally  came 
before  me,  Pierpont  Edwards,  judge  of  the  distiict 
court  of  the  United  States,  for  the  district  aforesaid, 
Samuel  Chew,  of  the  city  of  New  Haven,  in  the  said' 
district,  and  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth.  That  he  was 
at  Bridgetown,  in  the  island  of  Barbadots,  in  the 
Wtst  Indies,  in  the  month  of  February  now  last  past; 
fhat  on  board  a  British  prison  ship,  at  Barbadoes, 


id  Variable,  three 
>  or  6  vessels  over 
^land,  it  is  sL>ppos« 
flf  Charleston.  In 
ling  for  ne  to  this 
of  Messrs.  Bain, 


W.  L.  R. 


:D,  May  9,  1813. 

Chew's  dcpositijon 
lew  Ha'en.  We 
warded  it  by  Mr. 
;  by  Mr.  Hiuitinfr- 
r  Connecticut  divS- 
T  mail. 

spectfully, 

WAGK&Co. 


in  tlie  year  of  out 
n,  personally  came 
Jge  of  the  distiict 

district  aforesaid. 
Haven,  in  the  said 
3seth,  That  he  was 
Barbadocs,  in  the 
.lary  now  last  past ; 
ip,  at  Bjrbadoes, 


ri<iiJni»Mfii   !jmiii.ii»nipii!"i'i  m  • 
there  were  confined  about  523  American  pr*';on«''^; 
of  he  cr^ws  of  private  armed  vessels  of  the  Unit« 
sUe^  and  merchantmen,  ^-^X'^^^^Z^^l^'^l,'^. 
the  time  the  deponent  was  ^t  Barbadoes  the  Amer 
can  P^fsoners  were  supplied  with  bread,  and  .am. 
n  eat  •  as  to  vegetables,\hc  deponent  was  ndt  inform- 
ed      The  regulations  on  Ijoard  the  said  prisoivship 
compe  led  thi  prisoners  to  go  below  decks,  whe  e 
S  we  e  confiL  at  evening  and  urUil  mornmg;  as 
many  as  could,  were  suspended  m  hammocks  and 
stilUhere  was  not  sufficient  room  below  them  fo-^^" 
o  lie  down.     In  this  respect  the  situation  of  the  pr  - 
soners  was  not  only  extremely  "neon,  ortable  but  ha 
zardous,  and  more  especially,  should  there  be^^^  was 
anurehended,  a  scarcity  of  provisons  durmg  the  ap- 
;?oTchi.tho\  months.'    The  deponau  was  no    per. 
mitted  to  go  on  board  said  prison  ship,  but  demea 
hi   rnform^ationfrom  masters  of  v<^^-»M;--^^^ 
c^iH  -island    who  were  allowed  occasionally  to  go  on 
board  said  prison-ship,  with  whom  the  deponent  is 
nerslairacquainted,'and  in  whose  representations 
he  has  the  m2st  perfect  confidence,  and  entertains  no 
doubt  of  the  fa  Jby  them  stated  ;  -^  [h,s  statemen 
is  aiven  at  the  request  of  the  friends  of  some  ol  tnc 
pri'soners  arBarSadoes,  particular^'  of  the  crew  of 
,.   the  privateer  Blockade,  of  Hertford.  - 

PIERPONT  EDWARDS, 
District  judge  of  Conmcticut  district. 

I  Pierpont  Edwards,  judge  of  the  district  court 

of  the  United  States  for  the  Connecticut  district,  do 

^        hereby  certify  and  make  known  to  all  whom  it  may 

decern  tha^^^^^^^      Samuel  Chew,  the  withm  named 

^i^nnnent  is  a  ecnueman  to  me  well  known,  hanng 

aThim  f^r'm^ny  years:  U  is  the  -'^  of  -ptain. 

Samuel  Chew,  late  of  the  city  "^  .^ew  Hava  j^de- 

ceased,  and  who  fell  by  a  cannon  ball  on  board  an 

A^can  vessel  during  the  tevoUuionary  war:  thai 


1 


r 


.i!iii.iiiinWBiyw)»>^>iiiui.ii  L  i»  inmiiii 


the  said  deponent  is  a  man  of  strict  integrity,  and 
attached  to  the  constitution  and  government  of  the 
United  States,  and  the  most  perfect  confidence  is  due 
to  his  said  representations  so  as  aforesaid  sworn  to. 
PIERPONT  EDWARDS, 
District  judge  of  Connecticut  district. 


SIR, 


MILVILLE  PRISON, 

August  30,  1812. 


We,  the  subscribers,  for  ourselves  and  our  coun. 
trymen  now  confined  as  prisoners  of  war  in  MilviUe 
prison,  Halifax,  Nova-Scotia,  beg  leave  to  represent 
to  the  American  government— That  most  of  us  have 
for  years  past,  made  commerce  our  sole  employment 
and  hope,  in  which,  for  seven  years  or  more,  we 
have  often  been  wantonly  robbed  by  the  English  of 
what  we  had  acquired  by  industry  and  danger,  and 
while  they  stript  us  of  our  property,  they  often  treat- 
ed  us  with  the  greatest  indignity,  and  even  barbarity. 
We  have  seen  and  known  that  they  have  often  vio, 
lated  the  sacred  privilege  of  individual  liberty  and  the 
law  of  natioiis  :  We  are  conscious  of  the  long  for- 
bearance  of  our  government,  and  their  repeated  calls 
upon  the  honor  and  justice  of  the  British  nation, 
which,  instead  of  redress,  added  other  injuries  ;  and 
when  the  hope  of  amicable  remuneration  had  failed, 
and  for  retaliation  our  government  was  forced  to  the 
last  resort,  an  appeal  to  arms,  we  felt  the  justness  of 
our  cause  and  hoped  for  the  blessing  of  heaven  for 
success.     To  serve  our  country  and  to  make  up  the 
losses  which  we  had  sustained,  we,  under  commis- 
sions  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  enter- 
ed  on   board  of  privateers,  and    have  unfortunately 
been  captured  by  the  British.     We  would  state,  that 


•^mf^mmi 


■^ 


integrity,  and 
rnment  of  the 
ifidence  is  due 
aid  sworn  to. 

ticut  district. 


,  1812. 

and  our  coun- 
ar  in  Milville 
e  to  represent 
>st  of  us  have 
:  employment 
or  more,  we 
e  English  of 
danger,  and 
:y  often  treat- 
en  barbarity. 
we  often  via, 
berty  and  the 
he  long  for- 
•epeated  calls 
itish  nation, 
njuries  ;  and 
n  had  failed, 
forced  to  the 
i  justness  of 
f  heaven  for 
nake  up  the 
ler  cornmis. 
tates,  enter- 
infortunately 
d  state,  that 


23 

in  many  instances  after.we  had  struck  our  colours,  wc 
were  fired  upon  by  cannon  aud  muskets,  by  broad- 
sides and  volleys,  and  some  of  our  men  killed,  and 
after  our  captors  had  come  on  board  sonve  of  us  have 
been  struck  and  severely  wounded  with  cutlasses, 
without  the  least  provocation  for  such  aihumanity. 
Our  American  protections  have  been  forced  from  us 
and  destroyed,  and  some  native  American  citizens 
have  been  taken  out  of  our  privateers  and  put  on  board 
British  ships,  and  these  obliged  to  serve.     Most  of 
us  have  been  robbed  of  every  thing,  even  of  necessa- 
ry  clothing.     When  we  were  going  from  the  ships  to 
prison  the  officers  would  not  permit  us  to  take  our 
clothing  and  baggage  with  us,  but  pledged  themselves 
that  they  should  Ix  sent  to  prison  ;  but  disregarding 
their  honor,  we  have  lost  all.     Some  of  us  have  been 
marched  thirty,  and  some  sixty,  and  some  one  hun- 
dred  and  sixiy  miles  over  a  "miserable  country,  forcedf 
along  beyond  our  strength,  half  starved,  and  some  in 
irons.     Our  allowance,  each  man  per  day,  l^lb.  of 
bread,* lb.  poor  beef,  well  proponioned  with  bone, 
one  gill  of  peas,  |  oz.  of  salt.  We  are  without  wear- 
ing  apparel  and  without  money,  or  any  means  of  pro- 
curing them.     A  cold  winter  in  this  wretchtd  coun- 
try  fast  approaches,  and  in  our  destitute  situation  we 
must  endure  every  thing,  and  many  of  us  must  perish. 
There  are  now  of  us  in  prison  upwards  of  twelve 
hundred.     Every  art  has  been  practised  by  the  Eng- 
lish  officers  to  excite  disaffection  in  our  men  to  th*f 
American  government,  and  to  induce  them  to  enter 
into  the  English  service.  Necessity  may  oblige  some 
to  desert  us  and  enter  into  British  servitude,  but  we 
trust  thdt  speedy  relief  from  our  government  will  save 
them  from  that  wretched  aliernative  of  perishmg  with 
vant  or  joining  our  enemies.     For  ourselves  and  the 
rest  of  the  prisoners,  we  must  say,  we  have  now  no 
fortunes  to  devote  to  the  service  of  our  country,  but 
we  have  hearts  which  yet  feel  warmly  the  general  im 
pulse,  and  which  we  pledge,  if  opportunity  iver  again 


-JK 


24 


presents,  to  devote  in  the  interest  and  iccvice  of  our 
country.  We  are  now  sufferers,  but  we  will  cheer- 
fully suffer  every  hardship  of  war  rather  thdn  sue  for 
dishonorable  peace. 

We  respectfully  request  an  exchange  or  some  pro- 
vision for  relief.  We  feel  the  fullest  confidence  in 
our  government,  and  that  we  need  only  to  apprize 
them  of  our  situation  to  insure  their  assistance  and 
protection. 

Yours,  &c. 

Joseph  Starr^  Boston, 
Frederick  Johnson f  "Sew  York  t 
Robert  M'Keamy,  New  York, 
Richard  Rhea^  New  Jersey,    ' 
George  Batternian,  Boston, 
John  Hazelton,  Boston, 
*^  William  Dyer,  Boston, 

M!  ^  /  James  Trask,  Boston, 

Solomon  Norton,  Boston, 
Alexr.  B.  Latham,  New  London, 
Darius  Denison,  Yew  York, 
Easttoick  Pray,  Portsmouth, 
William  Ternm,  Portsmouth, 
^obes  Dala,  Portland, 
Chs.  Thompson,  jun.  New  York. 

Honorable  James  Monroe,  »     - 

Secretary  of  State,  kc, 


1. 


icrvice  of  our 
we  will  cheer- 
sr  than  sue  fur 

s  or  some  pro- 
confidence  in 

nly  to  apprize 
assistance  and 


on, 

New  York, 

New  York, 

iv  Jersey, 

Boston, 

ston, 

ton, 

on, 

oston, 

New  London, 

ew  York, 

rtsmouth, 

ortsmouth, 

id, 

.  New  York. 


No.  2. 

t)etention  of  American  prisoners  as  British 
,  subjects. 


Office  of  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners, 

WASHINGTON,  June  10,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  HAVK  the  honor  to  transmit  the  copy  of  a 
letter  from  captain  Stewart,  commanding  the  United 
States'  naval  forces  at  Norfolk,  dated  the  20th  of 
May,  to  admiral  Warren,  and  that  of  a  letter  from 
rear  admiral  Cockburn,  dated  2 1st  of  May,  in  reply, 
relative  to  a  most  unjustifiable  act  of  commodore 
Berresfcrd,  as  to  part  of  the  officers  and  crew  of  the 
late  United  States'  brig  Vixen  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Delaware.  LeaV(ng  the  general  question  of  the  in- 
terference of  commodore  Berresford  with  these  pri- 
soners  of  war  returning  on  parole,  and  the  exaction 
made  by  him  in  consequence  of  the  irregular  power 
thus  assumed,  on  the  ground  on  which  captain  Stew- 
art has  very  properly  placed  it,  I  will  remark,  that 
captain  Stewart  was  certainly  misapprehended  by 
admiral  Cockburn,  in  attributing  to  him  the  inten. 
tion  of  conveying  a  threat,  as  to  the  final  detention 
of  two  of  the  American  prisoners :  on  the  contrary, 
the  expression  used  by  captain  Stewart  communicates 
in  very  plain  terms  the  decision  of  this  government 
then  already  made;  that  four  of  his  Britannic  majes- 
ty's subjects  should  be  immediately  selected  and 
held  in  durance,  subject  to  the  same  treatment  in  all 
respects,  8cc. 

And  I  have  now  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  in  virtue 
of  this  decision,  and  by  an  order  from  this  ofiice,  the 
marshal  of  Massachusetts  has  designated  and  placed 
it»  close  confinement  William  Kitto,  carpenter,  arid 

4 


ii 


26 

thomas  Beddiiigaeld,  boatswain,  of  the  late  British 
packet  Swallow  ;  and  John  Squirrcll  and  Jatnes  Kus- 
sel,  seamen,  of  the  Dragon,  seventy-four,  subjects  of 
his  Britannic  majesty,  to  be  held  responsible  for  the 
safety  of  John  Stevens,  carpenter,  and  Thomas  King, 
seaman,  part  of  the  crew  of  the  late  United  States 

briK  Vixen.  . .         .,,  j 

I  flatter  myself,  sir,  that  this  subject  will  command 
vour  early  attention,  and  that  you  will  cause  the  oHi- 
bcr  and  seaman  of  the  Vixen  to  be  immediately  re- 
leased  and  returned  to  this  country,  according  to 
their  destination  when  taken  from  the  cartel. 
Very  respectfully, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  J.  MASON. 

Colonel  Thomas  Barclay,  kc  &c. 


H.  M.  S.  POICTIERS,  May  8,  1813. 


I  am  sorry  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  detain- 
ing  John  Stevens  and  John  King,  late  of  the  Vixen, 
in  consequence  of  their  being  British  subjects. 

I  am,  sir. 
Your  very  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  J.  P.  BERRESFORD. 

To  lieut.  Draytoiv. 


[/fitted  States*  frigate  Consteltation, 

OFF  NORFOLK,  May  30,  1813. 


SIR, 


I  have  the  honor  to  represent  to  your  excet- 
lency,  that  a  part  of  the  officers  and  crew  of  the 
late  United  States'  brig  Vixen,  returnmg  from  U 


f  the  late  British 
I  and  James  Kus- 
-four,  subjects  of 
isponsible  for  the 
id  Thomas  King, 
itc  United  States' 

ect  will  command 
vill  cause  the  offi- 
e  immediately  re- 
try, according  to 
he  cartel. 

;o  be,  Sir, 
edient  servant, 
J.  MASON. 


ERS,May8,  1813. 

ecessity  of  detain- 
late  of  the  Vixen, 
ish  subjects. 

dient  servant, 
ERRESFORD. 


onsteltation, 
)LK,  May  30,  1813. 

ent  to  your  excei* 
s  and  crew  of  the 
returning  from  Ja- 


-"T" 


'^■■W*'"**'!^ 


maica  on  parole  as  prisoners  of  war,  were,  on  en- 
Sg  the  Delaware,  taken  out  of  the  flag  of  truce 
by  commodore  Berresford,  commanding  on  that 
station,  and  detained  until  a  part  of  the  crew  of  the 
PolcdeVs.  then  prisoners  at  kiladclph.j,  were  de- 
manded  by  him  and  sent  down  in  exchange .  that 
ummatelvhe  detained  on  board  the  Poicticrs  John 
Stevens/carpenter,  and  I'homas  King,  seaman,  late  ot 
the  United  States'  brig  Vixen,  on  plea  ol  their  being 
subjects  of  his  Britannic  majesty. 

This  violation  of  the  rights  of  prisoners  on  parole, 
is  so  contrary  to  the  usage  of  all  civilized  nations, 
hat  I  trust  your  excellency  will  give  such  instruc- 
tions  upon  that  head  as  will  prevent  a  ..milar  viola- 
tion in  future.  . 
1  have  it  m  command  from  my  government  to  s  ate 
,o  your  excellency,  that  in  re.iliation  for  so  violent 
•ind  uniust  a  procedure  on  the  part  of  commodore 
Sfrresn>rd  in  detaining  the  abov6  Mr  John  hjevens 
and  Thomas  King,  that  four  subjects  oi  his  Bnt^nnic 
majesty  will  be  immediately  selected  and  held  in  dur- 
ance    subject  to  the  same  treatment,  m  all  respects, 
which  maV  be  ..liown  towards  the  aforesaid  two  per- 
Tns  during  their  detention.     I  hope  your  excellency 
willtnve  this  subject  your  earliest  attention  and  di- 
rect the  release  of  Mr.  Stevens  and  Thomas  King, 
who  have  been  so  improperly  detained  on  board  the 

Poictiers. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  rehiKCtfully, 

Your  excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  CHARLES  STCIWAR  f. 

Commanding  officer  of  the  the  U^  States^ 
naval  forces  at  Norjolfi. 

To  his  excellency  the  right  honorable 
Sir  John  B.  Warren,  admiral  of  the 
blue,  and  commander  in  chief  of  lu8 
Britannic  majesty's  naval  forces  on 

the  American  station. 


1 

' 

^ 


38 


SIR, 


His  Britatmic  Majesty's  ship  Marlborough, 

IN  LYNHAVEN  BAY,  2 1 st  May,  1 8 IS. 


In  the  absence  of  sir  John  Warren  I  have  the 
honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  under 
date  of  the  20th  current,  complaining  of  the  conduct 
of  commodore  Berresford  towards  some  American 
prisoners  of  war  returning  to  Philadelphia  on  parole, 
and  of  his  having  detained  on  board  the  Poict'crs  Mr. 
John  Stevens  and  Thomas  King. 

No  report  of  these  circumstances  have  yet  reach- 
ed  sir  John  Warren  or  myself  from  commodore  Ber. 
resford,  but  I  have  no  hesitation  in  assuring  you,  sir, 
that  every  inquiry  would  have  been  made  into  them] 
and  every  satisfaction  and  explanation  thereon,  which 
the  case  might  have  required,  would,  have  been  oflfer- 
ed  to  your  government  and  yourseJj  with  the  least 
possible  delay,  had  it  not  been  for  the  threat  with 
which  your  representation  on  this  subject  is  accom- 
panied, the  tenor  of  which  being  likely  to  produce  an 
entire  change  in  the  aspect  of  our  communications, 
and  ijarticularly  in  what  relates  to  the  individuals  which 
tlie  fate  of  war  has  placed  within  the  power  of  our 
respective  nations  ;  it  totally  precludes  the  possibility 
of  my  now  entering  further  into  the  subject  than  to 
assure  you,  your  letter  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  right 
honorable  the  commander  in  chief  by  the  earliest  op. 
portunity,  and  wheneve  his  answer  arrives  it  shajl  be 
forwarded  to  you  without  delay. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,     , 
With  high  consideration, 
Your  roost  obedient  humble  servant, 

G.  COCKBURN, 

r .  Rear  AdmiraL 

Captain  Ste\iart,  commanding  the 
naval  forces  of  the  United  States 
at  Norfolk. 


•n 


rlborougli^ 
M St  May,  18 IS. 

Ten  I  have  the 
lur  letter  under 
of  the  conduct 
)me  American 
phia  on  parole, 
:  I'oict'crs  Mr. 

lave  yet  reach- 
(nmodore  Ber- 
uring  you,  sir, 
ade  into  them, 
;hcrcon,  which 
jve  been  oflfer- 
tvith  the  least 
le  threat  with 
>jeci  i.H  accom- 
to  produce  an 
nmunications, 

ividuah  which 
power  of  our 
the  possibility 
ibject  than  to 
ed  to  the  right 
he  earliest  op. 
ives  it  siha)l  be 

lir, 

on, 

le  servant, 

IKBURN, 

?f  cr  AdmiraU 


29 

J^IARK,  PORT  UOYaL,  (Jamaka) 

March  39,  I81S. 

SIR, 

Captain  Moubray,  of  his  majesty's  sloop  Moselle, 
has  just  sent  to  me  the  copy  of  a  letter  from  you  to 
him,  and  another  to  Mr.  Cook,  of  his  majesty's  late 
!4oop  Rhodian,  dated  the  25th  ult.  rcs|)ecting  six 
men,*  mentioned  in  the  margin,  who  were  sent  here 
from  the  Bahamas  as  having  been  taken  in  tt»e  Ante- 
rican  privateer  Sarah  Ann,  and  supposed  to  be  sub- 
jects of  his  majesty  ;  but  as  no  proof  to  what  country 
they  belong  has  been  adduced,  it  has  never  been  my 
intention  to  bring  them  to  trial,  and  they  are  at  present 
on  board  of  the  prison  ships  waiting  an  exchange  of 
prisoners. 

I  am,  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
(Signed)  CHARLES  STIRLING, 

Vice  AdmiraL 
Charles  R.  Simpson,  esq. 

*  Edward  Dick,  Thomas  Rodgers,  Adam  Taylor,  John  Gaul, 
Mike  Pluck,  Geo.  G.  Roberts. 


HARLEM,  June  1,  1813. 


SIR, 

I  begjeave  to  reto"  you  to  a  communication 
which  took  place  some  time  in  the  autumn  or  winter 
preceding,  between  Mr.  Baker,  his  majesty's  late 
agent  for  prisoners  of  war,  and  Mr.  Monroe,  secreta- 
ry of  state,  respecting  six  of  the  crew  of  the  late 
American  privateer  Sarah  Ann,  Richard  Moore,  mas- 
ter, captured  by  his  majesty's  sloop  Rhodian,  'John 
George  Ross,  esq.  commander,  whose  names*  are 

•  Edward  Dick,  Thomas  Rodgers,  Adam  Taylpr,  Jojin  Gaul, 
Mike  Pluck,  Geo.  G.  Roberts. 


I 


30 


inserted  in  the  margin,  and  who  it  »[i[it9rh  were  sent 
to  Janu'ica,  to  which  station  the  Hhodiaii  belnngcd, 
on  suspicion  of  their  bcinjx  subjects  of  his  majesty  : 
And  I  lurtlier  request  yotir  attention  to  a  letter  from 
major  general  Pinckney  ;o  the  secretary  at  war,  dat- 
ed  head  quarters,  Charleston,  4ih  of  November,  1812, 
ironri  which  it  a|)|)ears,  that  twelve  of  his  majesty's 
biibjects,  then  prisoners  )f  war  at  Charleston,'  were 
lield  in  prison  to  answer  in  their  persons  for  vhe  fate 
of  the  six  men,  of  the  Sarah  Ann  privateer,  sent  to 
Jamaica. 

I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  tlie  copy  of  a  letter 
from  vice  admiral  Stirling,  commanding  his  najesty's 
4»hips  of  war  on  the  Jamaica  station,  to  Mr.  Simpson, 
late  bub-agcnt  lor  prisoners  of  war  at  Clrarleston, 
from  wluch  you  will  perceive,  that  the  six  men  of  the 
Sarah  Ann  arcconsidcrfd  by  the  admiral  as  American 
prisoners  generally,  and  are  now  on  board  a  prison- 
ship,  in  common  with  other  American  prisoners. 

Having  given  you  this  information  with  respect  to 
the  six  men  of  the  Sarah  Ann  privateer,  1  have  to  re- 
ouest  you  will  take  the  necc:  %:ry  measures  tc  have 
the  contingent  responsibility  '.k-hich  it  was  thought 
proper  to  attach  to  the  persons  of  twelve  British  sea- 
men,  now  in  prison  in  Charleston,  taken  ofF,  and  that 
they  may  be  informed  thereof. 

I  understand  that  John  Gaul,  one  of  the  six  men^ 
was  parokd  and  arrived  at  Georgetown,  South  Caro- 
lina, in  the  brig  Cyprus,  and  that  he  has  reported 
himself  to  the  marhlial,  who  informed  Mr.  Simpson^ 
"  that  he  had  sent  on  to  the  deiwrtment  of  state  his 
parole." 

I  have  the  honor  \it  be. 
With  great  respect. 

Sir,  .  ' 

Your  most  humble  servant, 
(Sij'ued)  THOS.  BABCLAY. 

General  Mason. 


■^J 


31 


|i|Kr«rh  were  sent 
lodiaii  bcldiigcd, 
of  his  majesty  : 
to  H  letter  from 
t«ry  at  war,  dat- 
fovi-mber,  1812, 
if  his  majesty's 
-harlcston,  were 
ions  for  ihe  fate 
rivateer,  sent  to 

copy  of  a  letter 
ug  liis  najesty's 

0  Mr.  S'*mpson, 
■  at  Charleston, 
f  six  men  of  the 
iral  as  American 
board  a  prison- 
n  prisoners. 

with  respect  to 
er,  I  liave  to  re- 
uasures  to  have 
it  was  thought 
Ive  British  sea. 
en  off,  and  that 

of  the  six  mcnj 
^n.  South  Caro- 
e  has   reported 

1  Mr.  Simpson^ 
ent  of  state  his 


vant, 
BAUCLAY. 


Ojffice  of  Commissary  General  of  Prisoners, 

WASHINOTON,  June9,  1813 

SIU, 

I  learn  with  pleasure  by  the  letter  yon  did  me 
the  honor  to  address  me  on  the  Ist  mst.  «"<lthe  letter 
from  admiral  Stirling  you  have  endosed,  that  the  six 
men  belonging  to  the  American  pr.vateer  Sanih  Ajjn, 
detained  in  October  last,  and  sent  to  Jamaica  to  be 
tried  as  British  subjects,  have  been  restored  to  the  or- 
dinary  state  of  prisoners  of  war,  to  wait  an  exchange, 
and  that  there  is  now  no  intention  to  bring  lUem  to 

*"l  very  cheerfully  comply  with  your  reqtiest,  sir,  and 
have  this  day  directed  ihe  marshal  of  South  Carolina 
to  restore,  in  like  manner,  to  the  ordinary  state  of 
prisoners  of  war,  the  twelve  British  sejmen  confmed 
under  the  orders  of  this  government,  by  '^""'  «";»»«: 
inform  thefti.  that  the  responsibility  atuched  to  their 
persons  for  the  safety  of  the  men  of  the  Sarah  Ann. 
has  b^en  taken  off. 

Very  respectfully, 

I  have  the  Iionor  to  be, 
Sir, 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  '■  M'^SON. 

CoJ.  Tho8.  Barclay. 


CHILICOTIIE,  June  8th,  18k3. 

SIR»  1  'C 

I  feel  it  my  duty  to  lay  before  you  the  case  q1 
William  M'Dowel  Scott,  late  of  Detroit,  an  unfor 
tunate  fellow  citizen  who  has  been  ^^^'^^^  "^^'^^.^PP;^^* 
hended  by  the  British  comnianding  ofticer  at  Uctro.t 
and  sent  to  Quebec,  where  hv  is  now  confined  under 


n 


n 


32 

pretence  of  hnn^a  Hritlsh  subject,  a.ul  one  Ibu.ul  In 

WiHiam   M'DouTll  Scott  is  r,  native  of  Ireland 
and  emigrated  ,o  the  United  States  about  eighteen 

ot  New  York,  and  m  the  summer  of  1800,  he  came 
to  Detroit    established  himself  as  a  physician    and 
has  ever  «n>ce  resided  there.    He  has  been  nZtX 
«l  agreeable  to  the  laws  of  the  United  State^a  d  th^s 

in  the  territory  of  Inthana,  before  that  territory  was 
^  n   h  \'"'V''\'^^'^'"^'""y  '"  '^^  »""'oO'  of  feh  ! 

^on;  o'f  I'he  T'  ffi'  """':"*^  "^p^^^ »""  wJm; 

iudrof  ,h'  ""'"''''"'  ^1  «  i'"^»*^e  "f  the  peace  and  a 
J  dgc  of  the  common  pleas  in  the  Indiana  territorv  c 
ami  subsequently  marshal  of  ,he  territory  of  Sil 

in  u^hilVIr'!  "'l'"'  '"'■•  '"'^  •"  ^^'"y  °'her  situation 
n  u   ich  doctor  Scott  s  public  and  political  character 

•  te    r  "'  ,''"  ^'  '''^'"''  ^'  has'uniformlv  ma^' 
ftsttd  an  undeviating  attachment  to  the  principles  of 

vTnrn;.""'""'  ^"'  ''^  a^-inistration'c;rtSgo°! 
His  support  in  the  present  cause,  duiine  the  tim,. 
that  general  Hull  lay^t  Sandwich  and  oftroi^/ va' 
not  outdone  by  any  person  whatever.     In  f.ct     was 

^^TZTi'^-'r^'^l^''  "^^^^  P^-'>kcd  and  sp  ! 
.1....'^  u  ^'■"'''^  '°  •'^'''  ''"^  of  conduct  and  per- 
secuuon  they  arc  now  pursuing  towards  him.      ^ 

1  rexosr,  who  received  him  at  Fort  George  and  f-r 
^varded  h,m  to  Quebec,  threaten  to  treat  hfm  'vUh  al 

he'  "Zs  o?  """""^  '^-  '^^  '^"^  °f  niuons  and 
ish    niK  .r  r'"'';  '•"  "''"  °^'"  ^^'"^J  bona.f.de  Bri- 
tish subject  found  m  arms  against  that  government 

thev'^i"^:,  "IT^^'^r'-'  -»-'-n  a  belief  th'at 
tfto   will  dare  to  put  their  threats  in  execution  to 


"■minnsn 


mail 


mmm 


I  one  fouful  HI 
?ainst  that  go. 

vc  of  Ireland, 
bout  eighteen 
rs  in  the  state 
800,  he  came 
hysician,  and 
ccn  naturaliz- 
'talcs,  and  this 
'nt :  and  both 
territory  was 
)ry  of  Michi- 
t  and  fidelity, 
Titories. 
t;  peace  and  a 
ma  territory  t 
ry  of  Michi- 

thcr  situation 
cal  character 
ormly  mani- 
principles  of 
>  of  this  go- 
ing the  time 
Detroit,  was 
n  fact  it  was 
ced  and  spi- 
ict  and  per- 
him. 

d  sir  George 
rge  and  for- 
dim  with  alt 
[lations,  and 
ma-fide  Bri- 
ivernment. 
a  belief  that 
icecution  to 


33 


their  full  f  xtenl.  But,  sir,  without  the  interference 
of  the  govtrnnu'nt  they  will  d<*tairi  him  during  the 
\var,  aid  tlu  \  will  make  his  life  so  wretched  and 
nii>>erable  that  death  would  Le  a  wtlccime  messenger. 
I  hope,  sir.  the  occasion  will  be  a  Sufficient  apology 
for  obtruding  this  comhuinication  upon  you.  I  am 
amongst  the  nunibcr  of  those  who  have  not  the  honor 
of  u  perhonal  acquaintance  u  ith  ydu.  But  general 
Taylor,  who  I  look  to  us  the  bearer  of  it,  is  a  gentle- 
man to  whon\  I  am  personally  known,  and  who  has 
likewise  a  pretty  correct  knowledge  of  the  charactef 
of  doctor  Scott. 

I  haVe  the  honor  to  be, 
Sir, 
With  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

E.  BRUSrt. 

rhc  honorable 
James  Monroe,  esq. 


lix  tract  of  a  letter  from  John  Mite  hell ^  esq  agent  fhr 
American  prisoners  of  war  at  Halifax ^  to  the  secre- 
tary of  state,  dated 

May  28th,  18 IS. 

"  I  have  just  been  Informed  by  the  agent  for  prison- 
ers, that  Mr.  John  Light,  of  the  Julian  Smith,  a  pri> 
Vateer  commanded  by  captain  Henry  Cooper,  will  be 
detained  here  in  consequence  of  his  having,  previous 
to  the  war,  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  in  this  pro- 
vince, (Nova  Scotia)  and  commanded  a  vessel  out  of 
this  place  (Halifax.)  Mr.  Light  was  lieutenant  of  the 
privateer  when  captured  by  the  Nymph,  the  15th 
M»v,  1813." 

5 


ji& 


J 


34 
H.  M.  S.  POICTIER3,  May  9,   1813. 

SIR, 

I  am  sorry  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  detaining 
J.  Stevens  and  T.  King,  late  of  the  Vixen,  in  con- 
sequeiTce  of  their  being  British  subjects. 

I  am,  sir. 
Your  very  obedient  servant, 

J.  P.  BERRESFORb. 

To  lieut.  Drayton. 

The  original  is  in  the  possession  of  the  commissary  eeneral 
or  prisoners-. 

tV.  JONES. 


SIR, 


NAVY  DEPARTMENT,  May  17,  18f3. 


You  are  hereby  authorized  and  instructed  to  ad 
dress  a  letter  to  adfniral  sir  John  Borlase  Warren,  re- 
presenting  the  following  facts  and  determination,  viz. 
That  a  part  of  the  ojfiicers  and  crew  of  the  late  United 
States'  brig  Vixen  were  returning  from  Jamaica  on 
parole,  as  prisoners  of  war,  and  entering  the  Dcla. 
ware,  when  commodore  Berrcsford  caused  them  to  be 
brought  on  board  the  Poictiers  and  detained  until  a 
part  of  the  crew  of  that  ship,  whom  he  demanded  in 
exchange,  were  sent  down  from  Philadelphia ;  {hat 
ultintetcly,    he  detained  John   Stephens,   carpenter, 
and  Thomas  King,  seaman,  two  of  the  aforesaid  crew 
of  the  Vixen,  on  the  plea  of  their  being  British  sub- 
jects,  as  appears  by  a  letter  from  commodore  Berrcs- 
ford to  lieutenant  Drayton,  late  1st  of  the  said  brig 
Vixen  J  and  that  you  are  commanded,  explicitly  to 
declare,  that  in  retaliation  for  the  violent  and  unjust 
detention  of  the  said  John  Stevens  and  Thomas  King, 
the  government  of  the  United  States  will  immediate. 


t 


35 


May  9,   1813. 

iy  of  detaining 
l^ixen,  in  con- 
s, 

rvant, 
ESFORb. 


imissary  genera! 
tV.  JONKS. 

May  17 J  18f3.  ' 

tructed  to  ad- 
:  Warren,  re- 
mination,  viz. 
be  late  United 

I  'Jamaica  on 
ng  the  Dcla. 
ltd  ihem  to  be 
ained  until  a 
demanded  in 

delphia;  that 
s,  carpenter, 
{foresaid  crew 
J  British  sub- 
)dorc  Berres- 
the  said  brig 
explicitly  to 
It  and  unjust 
homas  King, 

II  immediate* 


ly  cause /oz^r  British  subjects  to  be  selected  and  held 
in  duress,  subject  to  the  same  treatment,  in  all  res- 
pects,  that  the  said  John  Stevens  and  Thomas  King 
may  receive  during  their  detention. 

On  the  receipt  of  the  ndmiral's  answer  you  will 
communicate  the  same  to  me  without  delay. 
I  am,  respectfully, 

Your  obeditnt  servant, 

W.  JONES. 

Charles  Stewart,  esq. 

Commanding  naval  officer, 
Norfolk,  Va.. 


^m. 


Col  fF.  Scott  to  the  Secretary  of  IFar. 

WASHINGTON,  January  30,  1813 


I  think  it  my  duty  to  lay  before  the  department, 
that  on  the  arrival  at  Qutbec  of  the  American  prison* 
ers  of  war,  surrendered  at  Queenstown,  they  were 
mustered  and  examined  by  British  officers  appointed 
to  that  duty,  and  <-vcry  native  born  of  the  united  king, 
doms  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  sequestered  and 
sent  on  board  a  ship  of  war  then  in  that  harbor.  The 
vessel,  ill  a  few  days  thereafter,  sailed  for  England, 
with  those  persons  on  board. 

Between  fifteen  and  twenty  persons  were  thus  taken 
from  us,  principally  natives  of  Ireland,  several  of 
whom  were  known  by  their  platoon  officers  to  be  na- 
turalized  citizens  of  the  United  States,  and  others  to 
have  been  long  residents  within  the  same.  One  in 
particular,  whose  name  has  escaped  me,  besides  hav- 
ing  complied  with  all  the  conditions  of  our  naturali- 
zation  laws,  was  represented  by  his  officers  to  haw 
left  a  wife  and  five  chiklrcn,  all  of  them  born  within 
the  state  of  New  York. 

I  distinctly  understood,  as  well  from  the  officers 
who  came  on  board  the  prison-§hip  for  the  above  pur- 


J 


"«W 


20 


pose  a^  from  others,  with  whom  I  remonstrated  on 
this  subject,  that  it  was  tht  determinatioii  of  the  Bri- 
tish  governnient,  ns  expft  sse^  through  sir  George 
Prevost,  to  punisji  every  rnitn  vi-]pm  it  ni>ight  subject 
to  its  power,  foi^nd  in  arms  against  the  Biritish  king 
contrary  to  his  native  allegiance. 

I  have  the  hopor  to  be,  &c.  &c. 

(Signed)  W.  SCOTT, 

Zieut.  colonel  U,  S.  2d  Artiller'v^ 


Mr,  Beasley  to  the  Secretary  of  State. 

LONDON,  March  l»t,  1813i. 

Anne](c^  you  have  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Hen- 
ry Kelly,  in  behalfof  himself  and  twenty  two  persons. 
He  states,  that  they  are  ^li  citi?ei>s,  of  the  United 
States  and  hav?  wives  and  families  t\\erv  ;  that  they 
were  taken  last  October  in  Upper  Canada.,  and  that 
they  were  sent  to  this  country  because  \hicy  were 
born  within  the  British  dontiitions.  » 

I  am,  respectfully,  ike, 

(Si^ed)  ^  G.  BKASLEY, 


SIR, 


On  board  H.  M.  S.  MinHfr^ 
LYING  AT  THE  NORE,  February  6,  1813, 


This  is  to  inform  yon  of  the  under  na^td  23 
American  soldiers  bclongn\g  to  the  13ih,  6ih,  and  Ist 
regiments  of  i^e  United  Staits' armies.  \Vc  were 
taken  on  the  IStlj  of  October  in  Upper  Caiuida.  The 
reason  of  their  sending  us  23  here  is,  we  wtre  born 
in  the  British  doniinions,  though  we  are  all  piiizens 
of  the  United  States,  and  liave  our  wives  and  children 
thf  re.  AVe  are  in  a  very  miserable  s\tuatioi,x  f<jr  cloth- 


1 


37 


•nstrated  on 

I  of  the  Bri- 

sir  George 

ight  subject 


SCOTT, 

2(i  Artillery^ 


'ate. 

h  1st,  1813. 

r  from  Hen- 

:\vo  persons. 

the  United 

;thai  I  hey 
la.t  and  that 
:  \\^y  were 

•».*.  .       *• 

ASLEY. 


ary  6,  1813. 

;r  naiintd  25 
6th,  and  1st 
We  were 
IfMkida,  The 
e  Were  born 
;  all  pitizens 
and  children 
ci,U'jr  cloth- 


ing, having  drawn  no  winter  clothes  bci'ore  we  were 
taken.  We  therefore  hope  you  will  send  us  some 
relief  to  shelter  us  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather. 

Sir,  I  remain  your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  HENRY  KELLY. 

Sir,  these  are  the  n^m^  of  ray  fellow  sufferers. 


Henry  Blaney, 
George  M^ Common, 
John  Dolton, 
Michael  Condin,  . 
John  Clarky 
Peter  Burr, 
Andrew  Doylf^ 
John  M'Ga^ani 
James  Gilt, 
John  Fulsum, 
Patrick  M'J^rabarty^ 

Mr.  B,.  Q.  Be^l^y. 


Matthexo^  Mooney^ 
Patrick  Karnst 
John  Fitzgeraldi^ 
jolm  Wiley, 
John  Donnely, 
John  Curry, 
Nathan  Shaley^ 
fldivard  M'Garigan, 
John  Dinnue, 
John  iri/liams, 
George  Johnson, 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  admiral  sir  John  Borlasc 
WarretH  to  tbf  Secretary  of  State,  dated 

UERMUDA,  M^vchS,  1813. 

«  I  must  refer  you  lo  my  letter  .of  the  30th  of  Sep« 
tember,  1812,  in  which  1  stated  the  circnnistunce  of 
twelve  men  belonging  to  the  Guerriere,  taken  out  of 
a  cartel  by  commodore  Rodgers,  and  illegally  detain- 
ed, upon  the  pretext  of  six  others,  who  were  suppos- 
ed to  be  British  subjects,  having  been  sent  to  the 
united  kingdom  for  examination  ;  since  that  event, 
five  of  these  people,  named  in  the  enclosed  list,  have 
been  received  at  Halifax  with  oiders  for  their  dis- 
charge. I  therefore  request  you  will  communicate 
thcbe  particulars  to  the  President,  in  ordt^r  th.il  fur- 
ther directions  may  be   given   respecting  tlie  Gver- 


38 

rfere's  men,  so  long  confined  at  Boston,  and  to  obvi- 
ate the  other  inconveniences  which  must  inevitably 
arise  from  such  practices." 


The  Secretary  of  State  to  Admiral  Warren, 

EXTRACT,  dated  April  1 6,  1 8 1 3. 
"  It  appears  by  your  letter  (of  the  8th  of  March, 
irom  Bermuda)  that  five  only  of  the  seamen  that  were 
taken  on  board  the  Nautilus  and  sent  to  England,  in 
confinement,  have  been  returned.     No  account   is 
given  of  the  sixth.     Orders  have  been  issued  for  the 
release  of  ten  of  the  twelve  men,  who,  on  a  principle 
of  retaliation,  were  confined  by  commodore  Hodeers 
at  Boston.     You  will  be  sensible  that  it  will  belm- 
possible,  on  that  principle,  to  discharge  the  other  two 
men  until  the  sixth  American  seaman  is  returned,  or 
such  an  explanation  given  of  the  cause  of  his  deten- 
tion,  «s,  according  to  the  circumstances  of  the  case 
regarding  the  conduct  of  the  British  government  to-' 
wards  American  seamc5>  under  similar  circumstances, 
•ught  to  be  satisfactory. »»  * 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Lt.  F.  H.  Babbitt  to  master 
commandant  fFm,  M.  Crane,  of  the  U.  S.  navy, 
f late  of  the  [/.  S.  brig  Nautilus  J  dated 
.  ,  BOSION,  (Mass.)  13th  Sept.  1812. 

Enclosed  I  send  you  a  description  of  the  proportion 
of  our  little  crew,  who  have  been  so  debased  and  tr-ai- 
torous  as  to  enter  the  service  of  our  enemy.  Also, 
a  list*  of  those  gallant  fellows,  whose  glory  it  would' 
have  been  ic  have  lost  their  lives  in  the  service  of • 
their  country,  and  whose  misfortune  it  has  been  to 

*  This  list  not  received. 


n 

hi 


1,  and  to  obvi. 
uist  inevitably 


I  Warren. 
\pril  16,  1813. 
\\h  of  March, 
men  that  were 
o  England,  in 
o  account  is 
issued  for  the 
on  a  principle 
dore  Hodgers 
it  will  be  im- 
the  other  two 
i  returned,  or 
of  his  deten- 
s  of  the  case, 
>vernment  to- 
ircuni&tance$4 


bin  to  master 
U.  S.  nam, 
ed  -^ 

1  Sept.  1813. 

le  proportion 
iscd  and  trai- 
'-Tf\y.  Also, 
ory  it  would 
le  service  of' 
has  been  to 


29 

cross  the  Atlantii  on  suspicion  of  their  beinj^  British 
subjects  :  four  of  them,  native  born  Americans,  and 
two  naturalized  citizens.  On  their  parting  with  me, 
and  removal  from  the  Africa  of  64  guns  to  the  Thetis' 
frigatt-  (the  latter  with  a  convoy  from  England,  then 
in  43.  30.  N.  and  46.  30.  VV.)  their  f»st  request  and 
desire  was,  that  I  would  particularly  acquaint  you 
with  their  situation,  with  their  determination  never  to 
prove  traitors  to  that  country  whose  fla<;  the  y  were 
proud  to  serve  under,  and  whose  welfare  and  prospe- 
rity they  equally  hoped  and  anticipated  to  realise. 
(Signed)  F.  K.  BABBITT. 


A  list  of  men  said  to  have  entered  on  board  his  B.  M. 
frigate  Shannon,  commodore  Broke.     Thuir  descrip. 
tion  as  far  as  knonun. 

Jesse  Bates,  seaman,  about  5  feet   9  inches  high 
dark  hair  and  complexion,  dark  snapping  eyes,  has 
an  impediment  in   his  speech,  and  at   tio-.es  affects 
lunticy  ;  has  a  wife  and  family  in  Boston,  Mass. 

Samuel  Lang,  marine,  born  in  Kentucky,  5  feet 
8  mches  higli,  or  thereabouts,  and  is  supposed  to  be 
with  captain  Hall  of  U.  S,  marines,  New  York. 

John  Youj»g,  marine,  5  feet  5  inches  high',  lar^e 
mouth,  enlisted  with  captain  Hall,  navy  yard,  New 
York;  when  addressed,  or  is  addressing  an  officer 
easts  down  his  eyes.  For  his  particular  description 
as  well  as  that  of  John  Rose,  marine,  about  5  kct 
8  inches  high,  brown  hair,  full  lace,  thick  set,  and  a 
scowl  in  his  countenance,  rc.'er  to  captain  John  Hall. 

John  O'Neal,  seaman,  about  25  vears  of  age  5 
feet  5  inches  high,  dark  hair,  sharp  fl^ce,  dark  eves, 
thick  set.  and  was  shipped  at  Norfolk,  Va.  previous 
to  your  taking  command  of  the  Nitutikis. 

William  Jones,  od.  seaman,  about  5  feet  8  inohes 
high,  light  hair,   24  years  «f  age,  full  face,  thick 


■lIBi^l  i»i  »imn|lH])l>l  »[  l>    I     ■IpwUPWWtwr'-        '.-rrtr- 


40 


sttt  down  cast  look,  and  is  a  very  alert  man  ;  entered 
at  Ntw  York  April  last. 

(Signed)  F.  H.  B. 


SIR, 


Sir  John  Borlase  Warren  to  Mr.  Mohroe. 

HALIFAX,  SOtli  September,  1813. 


Having  received  information  that  a  most  unau- 
thorizcd   act  has  been   committed   by  commf)dore 
ttodgers,  in  forcibly  seizing  twelve  British  seamen, 
prisoners  of  war,  late  belonging  to  (he  Guerriere,  and 
taking  them  out  of  the  English  cartel  brig  Endeavour, 
on  her  passage  down  the  harbor  of  Bo&lon,  after  they 
had  bet  n  regularly  embarked  on  board  of  her  for 
an  exchange,  agrteable  to  the  arrangements  settled 
Ixtween  the  two  countries,  and  that  the  said  British 
seamen,   so  seized,   are  now  detained  on   board  the 
United  States'  frigate  President,  as  hostages  ;  I  feel 
tnyself  called  upon  to  request,  sir,  your  most  serious 
attention  to  a  measure  so  fraught  with  mischief  and 
inconvenience,  destructive  of  the  good  faith  of  a  flag 
of  truce   and   the  sacred  protection   of  a  cartel.     I 
shduld  be  extremely  sorry  that  the  imprudent  act  of 
an  officer  should  involve  consequences  so  particular- 
ly severe  as  the  present  instance  must  naturally  pro- 
duce if  repeated  j  and  although  it  is  very  much  my 
wish,  during  the  continuance  of  the  differences  exist- 
ing between  the  two  countries,  to  adopt  every  mea- 
sure that  might  render  the  effect  of  war  less  rigorous^ 
yet,  in  another  point  of  view,  the  conviction  of  the 
duty  1  »we  my  country  would,  in  the  event  of  such 
grievances  as  I  have  already  stated  being  continu- 
ed, not  admit  of  any  hesitation  in  retaliatory  deci- 
sions :  but  as  I  am  str*ongly  persuaded  of  the  high 
liberaliiv  of  your  sentiments,  and  that  the  act  com- 
plamed  of  has  originated  entirely  with  thfi  officer  who 
committed  it,  atttd  that  it  will  be  as  censurable  in  yoat 


41 


man ;  entered 
F.  H.  B. 


Mofiroe. 
tember,  1813. 

a  most  unau- 
commf>dore 
itish  seamen, 
Juerriere,  and 
g  Endeavour, 
on,  after  they 
d  of  her  for 
ments  settled 
'.  said  British 
on   board  the 
tages ;  I  feel 
most  serious 
mischief  and 
faith  of  a  flag 
a  cartel.     I 
udent  act  of 
so  particular- 
laturally  pro* 
ry  much  my 
?rences  exist* 
It  every  mea- 
;ess  rigorous^ 
'iction  of  the 
vent  of  such 
ing  continu- 
iliatory  deci- 
of  the  high 
he  act  com- 
iR  officer  who 
rable  in  )iour 


consideration  as  it  deserves,  I  rely  upon  your  taklnp; 
such  steps  as  will  prevent  a  recurrence  of  conduct  so 
(.'xtrcmely  reprehensible  in  every  shape* 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

With  the  highest  consideralion^ 
Sir, 
Your  most  obedierit  and  most 
Faithful  humble  servant, 

^.Signed)        JOHN  BOULASE  WARREST, 

Admiral  of  the  Blue,  and 
Commander  in  chiefs  ^e. 

Uis  excellency  James  Monroe,  esq.    ■ 
Secretary  of  State. 


Mr,  Monroe  to  Sir  John  Borlase  Warrett. 

DEPARTiMENT  OF  STATE, 

October  38,  1813. 

SIR, 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of 
the  30th  September,  complaining  that  commodote 
Rodgers,  commanding  a  Squadron  of  the  U.  States* 
navy  at  the  port  of  Boston,  had  taken  twelve  British 
Stamen,  lately  belonging  to  his  Britannic  majesty's 
ship  the  Gucrriere,  from  a  cartel  in  the  harbor  of 
Boston,  and  that  he  detained  them  on  board  the  Pre- 
sident, a  frigate  of  the  United  States,  as  hostages. 

I  am  instructed  to  inform  you  that  inquiry  shall 
be  made  into  the  circumstances  attending,  and  the 
causes  which  produced  the  act  of  which  you  complairt, 
and  that  such  measures  will  be  taken,  on  a  knowledge 
of  them,  as  may  tjomport  with  the  rights  of  both 
nations,  and  may  be  proper  in  the  case  to  which  they 
relate. 

I  beg  you,  sir,  to  be  assured  that  it  is  th<:  sincere 
dtsire  of  the  president  to  see  (and  to  promote,  so  far 

6 


^ih 


as  depends  dti  the  United  States)  that  the  war  which 
exists  between  our  countries  be  conducted  with  the 
utmost  regard  to  humanity. 

I  have  the  honor,  Sec.  Sec. 
(Signed)  JAMES  MONROE^ 

Sir  John  Dorlase  Warren, 
Admiral  of  the  Blue,  and 

Commander  in  chiefs  See.  lie. 


WASHINGTON,  December  17, 18  IS. 

SIR, 

I  have  the  honor  to  annex  a  list  of  twelve  of  the 
crew  of  the  late  United  States*  sloop  of  war  Wasp, 
detained  by  captain  John  Berresford,  of  the  Britbh 
ship  Poictiers,  under  the  pretence  of  their  being  Bri- 
tish subjects. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Respectfully,  sir, 
Your  obedient  servant,  ^^ 

GEORGE  S.  WISE,  purser; 

ThU  hon.  Paul  Hamilton, 

SecreUrjf  of  the  NaTjr.' 


♦3 


HBMJil'- 


he  war  which 
icted  with  tltc 

c. 
lONROE* 


nber  17,  1813. 

twelve  of  the 
of  war  Wasp, 
of  the  British 
teir  being  Bri- 


ant, 

/ISE,  purser; 


1 


4ti 

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44 

Jixtract  of  a  letter,  from  Major  Getierai  Pinckuey  tit 
the  Secretary  of  War,  dated 

HEAD  QUARTERS,  CHARLESTON, 

November  4,  1812. 

*•  Information  having  been  given  upon  oath  to 
lieutenant  Grandison,  who  ai  present  commands  in 
the  naval  department  here,  that  six  American  seamen, 
who  had  been  taken  prisoners  on  board  our  priva- 
teers, had  been  sent  to  Jamaica  to  be  tried  as  British 
subjects  for  treason,  he  called  upon  the  marshal  to 
retain  double  that  number  of  British  seamen  as  hos- 
tagts.  I'he  marshal,  inconsequence  of  instructions 
from  the  department  of  state,  asked  my  advice  on  the 
subject,  and  I  have  given  my  opinion  that  they  ought 
to  be  detained  until  the  pleasure  of  the  president  shall 
be  known.  The  testimony  of  captain  Moon  is  here- 
with. I  hope,  sir,  you  will  have  the  goodness  to 
have  this  business  put  in  the  proper  train  to  have  the 
president's  pleasure  on  this  subject  communicated  tc 
the  marshal." 


Copy  of  a  letter  Jrotn  captain  Moon,  of  the  privatee* 
Sarah  Ann. 

NASSAU,  NEW  PROVIDENCE, 

October  14,  1812. 

Six  of  my  crew,  claimed  as  British  subjects, 
were  this  d.iy  tak6n  out  of  jail  and  put  on  boaid  his 
majesty's  brig  the  Sappho,  and  sailed  f<-r  Jam;iica, 
where  ''is  said  thi  y  are  to  be  tried  for  their  lives  ; 
consequently  I  questioned  each  respectively  as  to  the 
place  of  their  nativjty,  and  title  to  protection  by  the 
American  government,  when  ti>ey  stated  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

David  Dick,  seaman,  that  he  was  born  in  the  north 
of  IreliUid,  but  has  resided  in  the  United  States  ever 
since  the  year  1793  ;  has  served  ten  years  in  the 
0nited  States'  naVy,  viz.  on  board  the  frigates  Ches- 


/  Pinckucy  i^> 

?:STON, 

Tiber  4,  18tK. 

upon  oath  to 
ommaiids  in 
rican  seamen, 
d  our  privH- 
ied  us  British 
he  marshal  to 
amen  as  hos- 
f  instructions 
advice  on  the 
lat  they  ouf?ht 
•resident  shall 
^oon  is  hcre- 

goodness  to 
in  to  have  the 
municated  to 


the  privateer 

J 
CE, 
r  U,  1812. 

litih  subjects, 
on  boatd  his 
Ur  Jamaica, 
'  their  lives  ; 
vcly  as  to  the 
cction  by  the 
d  as  follows, 

» in  the  north 
d  Slates  ever 
years  in  the 
rigates  Ches- 


apeake, President,  Constitution,  John  Adams,  and 
schooner  Knterprize,  and  gun  boat  No.  2.  Dnvid 
Dick,  shoemaker,  in  Alexandria,  is  his  uncle.  Uick 
is  about  five  feet  six  and  a  half  inches  high,  dark  hair, 
has  a  scar  on  his  left  elbow,  and  one  on  each  wti^t; 
he  entered  on  board  the  Sarah  Ann  in  Baltimore. 

John  Gaul,  seaman,  says  he  was  born  in  Murhle* 
head,  state  of  Massachusetts,  uhtrc  his  parents,  bro- 
thers and  sisters  now  reside;  is  matried  in  New  York, 
and  his  wife  (Mary  Gaul)  lives  ii»  Roosevelt  street, 
No.  37 ;  has  a  regular  discharge  from  the  navy  of  the 
United  States  by  captain  Hugh  G.  Campbell,  da  id 
at  St.  Mary's,  Georgia,  I4th  August,  1812  ;  says 
he  has  served  un  board  the  United  Stales'  brig  Vixen, 
gun  boats  No.  10  and  158,  from  the  latit  ot  which  \\c 
was  discharged.  Gaul  is  27  years  of  age,  about  five 
feet  seven  inches  high,  brown  hair,  light  compleKiun  ; 
he  entered  on  board  the  Sarah  Ann  in  Baltimore. 

Michael  Pluck,  od.  seaman,  says  he  was  born  in 
Baltimop  ;  his  parents  are  dead,  but  he  is  known  by 
William  Doulan,  Thomas  Turner  and  M'Donald,  of 
Baltimore  ;  has  a  sister  in  some  part  of  Pennsylvii> 
nia,  whose  name  is  Ann  Welsh,  was  never  at  sea  Ixs 
fore;  never  had  a  protection.  Pluck  is  twenty  si» 
years  old,  five  feet  six  and  a  half  inches  high,  and  hat 
a  scar  on  his  left  cheek  bone  ;  entered  on  board  the 
Sarah  Ann  at  Baltimore. 

Thomas  Rogers,  seaman,  says  he  was  born  in  Wa- 
terford,  Ireland,  but  has  resided  many  years  in  the 
United  States,  and  has  be«n  duly  naturalized,  a  copy 
of  which  naturalization  is  filed  in  the  custom- hou!»e 
at  Baltimore ;  is  known  by  Joseph  Carey  and  Tom 
Rogers,  cork  cutter,  both  of  Baltimore ;  has  a  wife 
and  three  children  in  Baltimore  j  has  lost  his  protec- 
tion, but  requests  Jost  pn  Carey  to  do  all  he  can  to 
effect  his  di*icharge  from  the  British.  Rogers  entertd 
on  board  the  Sarah  Ann  in  Baltimore. 

George  Roberts,  a  colored  man  and  seaman.  Th^s 
man  I  had  iu>t  an  opportunity  of  questioning ;  but  1 


know  him  to  be  a  native  born  citizen  of  the  United 
States,  oi  which  fajit  he  had  every  sufficient  docu. 
ment,  together  with  free  papers.  Roberts  entered  on 
board  the  Sarah  Ann  in  B^himorc,  where  he  is  mar- 
ried. 

Sonty  Taylor,  boy,  says  he  was  born  in  Hacken- 
sack,  New  Jersey,  but  has  neither  fViends,  relations, 
nor  acquaintance  there ;  says  Jane  Snowden,  of  Sa- 
vannah, Georgia,  is  his  mother  ;  never  had  a  proteo. 
tion.  Taylor  is  fiReen  years  old,  has  brown  hair  and 
light  complexion  ;  he  entered  on  board  the  Sarah  Ann 
iu  Savannah. 

RICHARD  MOON, 

Late  commatuier  of  the  privateer  Sarah  Ann. 


Copy  of  a  letter  from  Admiral  Warren  to  Mr.  Mitchell, 
^g^"f  J^""  t^**  exchange  of  American  prisoners  of 
war,  dated  ' .( 

HALIFAX*  31st  October,  1818. 

SIR, 

M  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  and  its 
enclosures  relating  to  Thomas  Dunn,*  and  beg  leave 
io  inform  you,  that  it  appears  the  said  man  is  married 
in  England,  has  been  eight  years  in  his  majesty's  ser- 
vice, and  received  a  pension  from  government :  under 
these  circumstances,  and  the  man  lever  having  made 
any  application  tor  his  di&oharge  from  prison,  he  con> 
tinucs  on  board  the  Statira. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  ^ 

Your  mobt  obedient  humble  servant, 
(Signed)  JOHN  BORLASE  WARREN. 

•  NoTK.  The  application  was  made  at  the  request  of  his 
father  Jotia  Dunn,  uf  Boston,  who  transmitted  a  deposition  of 
his  birth. 


of  the  United 
lufficicnt  docu« 
lerts  entered  on 
lere  he  is  mw- 

>rn  in  Hacken* 
i^nds,  relations, 
louden,  of  Sa* 
T  had  a  proteo* 
brown  hair  and 
i  the  Sarah  Ann 

)  MOON, 

rr  Sarah  Ann. 


Q  Mr.  Minhell, 
m  prisoners  of 

October,  18  IS. 

letter  and  its 
^  and  beg  leave 
nan  is  married 
I  majesty's  ser- 
rnment :  under 
:r  having  made 
prison,  he  coq» 


servant, 
WARREN. 

he  request  of  his 
td  a  deposition  of 


£ktract  of  u  leNer  from  ff^lliam  H.  Sanagc,  lak 
agent  for  American  seamen  and  commerce  at  Jtt- 
maicOt  to  the  secretary  oj  state,  dated 

WASHINfcTON,  December  1,  III*. 
"  I  lake  the  liberty  to  enclose  you  copic-.  ol  a 
correspondence  which  took  place  between  vice  Ad- 
miral Stirling  (commanding  on  the  Jamaica  stutioni 
and  myself  since  the  declaration  of  war.  I  shouirt 
have  furnished  it  you  at  an  earlier  period,  but  an  acci- 
dent prevented,  which  I  was  not  aware  of,  until  mf 
arrival  at  this  city." 


Co^y  of  my  tetter  to  vice  Admiral  Stirling,  command- 
ing  on  the  Jamaica  station,  on  the  subject  of  Ante- 
rican  seamen  after  the  declaration  of  war. 

KINGSTON,  JAMAICA, 

6th  August,  1 8  IS. 

SIR, 

Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  received  by  me 
yesterday  from  on  board  his  majesty's  ship  Sappho, 
purporting  to  have  been  written  by  four  American 
seamen  on  board  that  ship^  with  a  view  '.  >  solicit  my 
aid  towards  efFectinp  a  dj  charge,  iii  consequence 
of  the  dcciaration  u.  %var  by  the  government  of  the 
United  States  against  Great  Britain. 

In  making  this  application  I  am  fully  xware  that  my 
duties  ceased  agent  for  the  commerce  and  sea  men 
of  the  Unitt  Surtes  on  the  knowledge  of  such  decla- 
ration beinf;  made  known  here :  but,  sir,  I  am  led  to 
bdieve,  thai,  at  this  period,  it  will  not  be  deemed  in- 
admissible on  your  part  to  receive,  nor  improper  on 
mine  to  make  the  request,  that  you  will  be  pleaserl  to 
grant  an  order  for  the  discharge  of  these  seamen,  teel- 
ing  conscious,  (should  they  even  not  be  jirotected 
with  the  usual  documents  afforded  to  citizens  <si  the 


46 

United  States)  that  an  English  seaman  would  not  do- 
dare  himself  otherwise  than  buch  under  existing^  cir- 
cumstances. 

I  sei^c  the  present  opportunity  also  to  forward  to 
you  twenty-one  documents  as  proof  of  the  citizenship 
of  that  number  of  seamen,  said  to  have  been  iinpres- 
scd  by  ships  of  war  on  this  station,  the  greatest  num- 
ber of  which  have  been  heretofore  imsuccessfullv 
claimed  by  me,  on  behalf  of  the  United  States,  and 
which  may  still  comprise,  at  this  time,  some  part  of  the 
crews  of  his  majesty's  ships  on  this  station. 

I  beg  further  to  state  to  you,  that  I  have  rieccived 
numerous  applications  from  on  board  various  of  his 
tniijesty's  .hips  on  this  station  for  the  relief  of  seamen, 
who  I  doubt  not  are  entitled  to  the  protection  of  the 
American  government,  many  of  them  having  with 
them  the  proofs  of  their  citizenship,  as  I  am  led  to  be- 
Weve  from  the  assertions  contained  in  their  commu> 
nications.  Applications  have  also  been  made  for  the 
rtlit  f  of  many  without  success :  the  latter  amount  in 
number  to  forty  six,  as  per  list  of  names  enclosed, 
s«;veriil  of  whom  I  understand  have  been  shifted  (since 
their  impressment)  on  board  of  other  vessels  than 
those  they  were  at  first  taken  on  board  of.  All  of 
which  I  beg  to  offer  for  your  consideration,  feeling 
as  I  do  anxious  to  extend  my  last  efforts  in  behalf  of 
those  seamen  who  are  entitled  to  them,  and  at  the 
same  time  being  impressed  with  the  idea,  that  it 
would  be  foreign  to  you,  sir,  to  retain  any  Americans 
in  the  service  of  the  navy  of  Great  Britain  contrary  to 
their  disposition  during  the  present  conflict.  I  there- 
fore take  the  liberty  of  adding  to  my  former  request, 
that  you  will  be  pleased  to  grant  orders  that  such  sea- 
men may  be  discharged  from  duty  on  board  his  ma- 
jesty's ships  on  this  station. 

With  sentiments  of  the  highest  respect,  &c. 

(Signed^  WILLIAM  H.  SAVAGE. 


49 


1  would  not  do- 
er existing  cir- 

)  to  forward  to 
"  the  citizenship 
'C  bfC'n  inrtprcs- 
s  greatest  niim- 
unsuccessfully 
led  States,  and 
jcmcpartofthe 
stion. 

have  received 
I  various  of  his 
^lief  of  seamen, 
otection  of  the 
m  having  with 
I  am  led  to  be. 
»  iheir  commu> 
:n  made  for  the 
itter  amount  in 
jmes  enclosed, 
n  shifted  (since 
r  vessels  than 
rd  of.  All  of 
eration,  fueling 
rts  in  behalf  of 
:m,  and  at  the 
e  idea,  that  it 
any  Americans 
tain  contrary  to 
iflict.  I  there, 
brmer  request. 
5  that  such  sea> 
board  his  ma. 

expect,  &:c 
SAVAGE. 


Copy  df  vice- admiral  Stirling's  secretary'' s  letter  in 
answer  to  mine  to  the  vice-admiral  of  6th  Jugust, 
1812. 

ADMIRAL'S  PENN,  August  7,  1812. 
SIR, 

I  am  desired  by  vice-admiral  Stirling  to  ac 
knowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  yesterday's 
date,  and  to  acquaint  you  that  d'.rections  were  given 
£ome  days  ago,  that  all  seamen  in  the  squadron  un> 
der  his  command,  who  can  prove  themselves  to  be 
American  burn  subjects,  should  be  sent  to  the  prison 
ship  until  an  exchange  of  prisoners  is  established  be> 
tween  the  two  countries,  in  consequence  of  the  late 
declaration  of  war  by  the  United  Stales  against  Gredt 
Britain. 

I  return  herewith  the  ^lapers  which  accompanied 
your  Jetter, 

And  am^  sif,  &c.  &c. 

(Signed)  CH  AS.  STIRLING»  jun.  Secretary. 


Extract  of  a  letter  front  ff^illiam  If.  Savage,  esf. 
late  agent  for  American  seamen  and  contmerce  at 
Jamaica,  to  Charles  Stilling,  juniory  esq.  dated 

KINGSTON,  September  16,  1812. 
•♦  In  answer  to  my  letter  of  the  6th  ultimo,  you 
were  pleased  to  inform  me  that  directions  had  been 
given  by  the  vise  admiral  some  days  prior  to  the  date 
of  my  letter  fur  the  removal  of  all  native  Americans 
(who  could  prove  themselves  such)  from  on  board 
H.  M.  ships  to  that  of  the  prison  ^hip ;  but  as  some 
time  has  now  elapsed  since  you  were  pleased  to  give 
me  this  information,  and  learning  that  some  instances 
of  detention  at  present  exist  on  board  H.  M.  schooner 
Decouverte,  I  am  led  to  embrace  the  subject  again, 
as  in  one  instance  I  shall  hope  to  satisfy  vice  admiral 
Stirling  of  the  man's  being  enfitled  to  his  remOVa! 

7 


50 

frdhi  duty  on  board  H.  M.  schooner  of  war.  The 
per«)n  alluded  to  is  Elijah  Stirling,  an  American  sea> 
man,  who  was  impressed  from  on  board  the  British 
merchant  ship  Brilliant  at  the  bay  of  Honduras  in  the 
"earley  part  of  the  yfear  1810,  by  H.  M.  schooner  Flor 
del  Mar,  and  has  since  been  detained  on  board  of 
various  of  H.  M.  ships  on  this  station,  although  pro- 
vided with  a  regular  protection,  which  instrument 
this  man  got  conveyed  to  the  about  the  2inh  of  Sep- 
tember following,  and  which  was  by  me  forwarded  to 
admiral  Rowley,  accompanied  (as  usual  in  like  cases) 
with  a  request  that  the  man  might  be  discharged^ 
On  the  receipt  of  my  letter  the  admiral  answered 
through  his  secretary ,  that  the  nature  of  Stirling's  im. 
pressment  was  such,  that  he  could  not  comply  with 
my  request ;  but  which  ahswer  was  unaccompanied 
in  return,  with  the  protection  in  question,  and  what 
has  become  of  it  I  atn  tinable  to  say/' 

•'  About  this  period  I  was  led  to  understand  from 
admiral  Rowley,  that  all  American  seamen  who 
should  be  impressed  from  on  board  any  British  mer> 
chant  Vessel,  would  be  retained  in  the  service  of  his 
majesty,  but  that  all  Anierican  seamen  who  should 
be  inyjuressed  from  on  board  of  American  vessels^ 
would,  on  application,  accompanied  by  proof,  be  dis- 
charged. As  this  information  was  received  about  the 
ririod  of  my  application  for  the  discharge  of  Stirling, 
was  led  to  conclude  it  stampt  the  nature  of  his  ini- 
jpiressmtent,  and  what  confirmed  it  ih  my  mind  was, 
that  1  received  similar  assurances  to  various  applica- 
tiohs  thade  for  American  seamen,  who  had,  under  va- 
rious circumstatites  shipped  bn  board  of  British  shipsj 
and  were  from  thence  impressed  on  board  of  tt.  M. 
ships  of  war,  all  of  which  I  hope  the  admiral  will  b^ 
pleased  to  take  into  consideration  ;  for,  to  insist  on 
the  service  of  this  man,  I  think  will  be  a  dereliction 
to  the  marked  manner  of  his  amiable  endeavours  tb 
distinguish  and  relieve  American  seamen  from  duty 
on  board  the  squadron  under  his  command.  I  beg  t9 


war.  The 
nerican  sea> 
the  British 
duras  in  the 
liooner  Flor 
m  board  of 
LhoUgh  pro- 
instrument 
Uth  of  Sep. 
orwarded  to 
I  like  cases) 
discharged^ 
il  answered 
tirling's  im* 
omply  with 
ccoinpanied 
n,  and  what 

rstand  from 
^arneh  who 
British  mer- 
rvice  of  his 
vho  should 
:an  vessels^ 
oof,  be  dis- 
d  aboiit  the 
of  Stirling, 
!  of  his  ini« 
'  mind  was, 
Qus  applica- 
1,  under  va. 
ritish  ships^ 
I  of  H.  M. 
lira!  will  b^ 
to  insist  on 
dereliction 
kavours  td 
I  from  duty 
d.  I  beg  to 


51 

•nclose  a  note  from  Mr.  Meek  (the  late  secretary) 
relative  to  my  application  for  this  man's  discharge, 
and  to  observe,  that  if  it  is  possible,  the  protection 
may  yet  be  found  among  the  papers  of  the  late  secre- 
tary,  as  it  has  not  been  usual  to  return  me  the  protec-. 
tions  of  those  men  whose  applications  for  discharge 
were  not  complied  with.  '* 

I  beg  furthermore  to  observe,  that  there  appears 
also  to  be  on  board  his  majesty's  schooner  Decou- 
verte,  two  other  American  seamen,  viz.  John  Engle- 
field  and  Richard  t-auderkin,  the  former  of  whom  as. 
sens,  that  he  served  his  apprenticeship  to  the  trade  of 
a  cooper,  at  Qoston,  but  has  Ipst  his  protection  ;  the 
latter  declares  himself  to  be  a  native  of  Uhode  Island, 
and  that  his  protection  has  been  destroyed  by  Mr. 
Oliver,  comn^ander  of  his  majesty's  schooner  Decou- 
vertc.  I  shall  not  now  animadvert  on  the  improprie- 
ty of  such  a  circumstance,  but  request,  should  the 
instrr--^  here  cited  be  found  correct,  that  they  may 
X^'C  Attention  of  the  vice  admiral  " 


>> 


J^y^troft  of  a  letter  frpm  vice  admiral  5''- 1% '  ?  secre 
tary,  to  W'  H.  Savage^  esa.  in  atisvxer  i   ois  of  the 
'    16M  September,  1812. 

ADMIRAL'S  PENN,  l9Ui  Septemljer,  181S. 

"  I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  the  16th  in- 
stant, whigh  I  have  laid  before  vice.admiral  Stirling, 
and  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you,  that  Elijal^  Stir- 
ling,  and  other  persons  on  board  of  his  majesty's 
schooner  Decouverte,  said  to  b|e  American  seamen, 
have  not,  when  called  upon,  produced  proof  of  being 
subjects  of  th<?  ynited  States.  Thty  do  not  fall  un- 
der the  description  of  persons  which  I  informed  you 
in  my  letter  of  the  7th  uU.  were  intended  to  be  dis- 
oiwrged  from  the  king*s  service,  andi  to  be  detained 


1 


^      3S2 

on  board  the  prison  sWp  urrtii  an  exchange  of  prison- 
ers takes  place  with  Ameripa. 

•♦  The  note  from  Mr.  Meek,  dated  tlie  gist  Sep- 
tember,  1810,  is  retnrned  herewith,  and  as  it  appears 
thereby  that  admiral  Roivley  thought  the  circumstan- 
ces under  w\i\ch  Elijah  Stirling  was  impressed,  did  not 
permit  him  to  be  discharged,  vice-admiral  Stirling 
does  not  feel  himself  justified  in  attending  to  the 
man's  wiRhes  on  a  bare  assertion.  The  protection 
you  allude  to  is  not  to  be  found  among  admiral  Row- 
ley's  papers  left  in  Ihiso^c?.'* 


■  ■1^^fei-i»i>i«.iailfc.  AihtiriMttmiimimi.ittmiviii^flU^i^iMai 


^eofpiHson. 

we  2 1st  Sep. 
as  it  appears 
circumstan* 
ssed,  did  not 
iral  Stirling 
ling  to  the 
e  protection 
Imirai  Row> 


No.  3. 

Detention  of  Mariners  as  prisoners  ofwar^  who 
were  in  England  at  the  time  the  war  xvas 
declared. 


SIR, 


y,  fF.  Croker  to  Mr,  Beaslejt. 
ADMIRALTY  OFFICE,  5th  August,  1813. 


Having  communicated  to  my  lords  commission- 
ers of  the  i^daiinUy  your  letter  of  the  3 1st  ultimo, 
transmitting  a  list  of  men,  said  to  _»e  Americans, 
who  have  been  impressed  and  detained  on  board  his 
majesty's  ships,  and  retjucsting  their  discharge,  I  have 
their  lordship's  commands  to  acquaint  you,  that  un, 
der  present  circumstan<:e8,  they  will  df  fer  the  cousi. 
deration  of  this  request. 
I  am,  &o. 

(Signed)  J.  W.  CROKER. 

R*  G.  Be8sley,  esq. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Measley  to  the  Secretary 
of  State,  dated 

LONDON,  October  23,  1812. 

•*  I  have  informed  you  that  I  had  addressed  lord 
Castlereagh  on  the  subject  of  our  citizens  who  have 
been  impressed,  and  are  now  held  in  the  British  1% 
val  service.  I  demanded  their  release,  and  complain- 
ed of  the  treatment  which  some  had  received  on  of- 
fering  to  give  themselves  up  as  prisoners,  or  refusing 
to  serve  when  they  heard  of  ihe  war.  In  reply,  I 
have  received  a  short  note  from  Mr  Cooke,  one  of 
the  under  secretaries,  stating,  that  he  was  instructed 
to  require  of  me  the  names  of  the  men  who  had  re- 


54 


ceived  the  treatment  complained  of,  an<^  the  vessels 
in  which  they  were,  which  ]  immediately  furnished, 
and  urged  a  reply  to  the  other  part  of  my  letter.  In 
ftn  interview  I  have  since  had  with  Mr.  Cooke^  I  took 
occasion  to  remind  hin;i  of  it,  whpn  he  intimated  that 
the  government  did  not  intend  to  answer  me  on  that 
point ;  adding,  that  England  was  fighting  the  battles 
of  the  world  ;  we  had  chosen  to  go  to  war  and  so  aid 
the  great  enemy,  and  that  England  had  as  much  right 
to  recruit  her  army  and  navy,  ii\  every  possible  man- 
ner, as  France.M 


Mr,  Beasley  to  Lord  Castkrcagh. 

WIMPOLE  STREET,  October  12th,  1812. 

R|Y  LORD, 

In  consequence  of  the  war  unhappily  exist- 
ing between  the  United  States  and,  Great  Britain,  i< 
has  become  my  duty  to  call  y^ur  lordship's  attention 
to  thy  situatirn  of  the  great  number  of  American  sea- 
men who  have  been  inipres^sed,  and  are  now  held  in 
the  ships  of  war  of  his  Britannic  majesty.  In  addi- 
tion  tp  the  wrong  which  is  done  to  the  United  States 
hy  this  detention  of  their  seamen,  I  regret  to  state, 
that  some  oJE'  these  unfortunate  persons,  haying  heai^d 
of  the  war  aivd  ofiered  to  give  themselves  up  as  pri- 
soners, have,  for  so  c\oin^,  or  for  refusing  to  do  ser- 
vice, been  pvinished. 

To  put  an  end  to  a  proceeding  and  a  sta,te  of  things 
so  reyoltiog  to  hutnauity,  and  so  contrary  to  the  law 
l»d  iisage  of  «^ivili?cd  nations,  I  persuade  myself  it 
is  only  necessary  to  present  them  to  the  view  of  the 
British  governipicnt ;  and  I  therefore  trust  that  ejf- 
fectual  measures  will  be  immediately  taken  to  restore 
these  injured  pien  to  liberty  and  to  their  country. 

\  have  the  honor,  to  be,  &c. 
(Signed)  R.  G.  BEAS^-El?. 


i^U,\  j; 


55 


nA,  the  vessels 
:ely  furnished, 
ny  letter.  In 
Cooke^^  I  took 
intimated  that 
'cr  me  en  that 
ing  the  battles 
ivar  and  so  aid 
as  much  right 
possible  man- 


agh. 

)cr  12th,  18V2. 

ihappily  exist- 
eat  Britain,  i< 
hip's  attention 
American  sea- 
e  now  held  in 
ity.  In  addi- 
United  States 
egret  to  state, 
haying  heai:d 
es  up  as  pri- 
ling  to  do  ser- 

sta,te  of  things 
ary  to  the  law 
ade  myself  it 
le  view  of  the 
trust  that  ejf- 
ken  to  restore 
r  country. 

Sec. 


£.  Cooke  to  R.  G.  Beasley. 
FOREIGN  OFFICE,  19th  OctobeT,  1813. 
"  In  consequence  of  your  letter  to  lord  Castle- 
reagh  of  the  12th  instant,  I  am  directed  by  his  lord- 
ship to  desire  you  will  furnish  me  with  the  names  of 
the  Americati  sailors  who  have  been  so  pimished,  an^ 
of  the  ship  they  are  on  board." 


BlR, 


Mr.  Beasley  to  E.  Cooke, 
WIMPOLE  STREET,  21 8t  October,  1813. 


S^-ETf.. 


Agreeably  to  the  request  contained  in  your  letter 
oif  the  19th  instant,  I  iiow  transmit  to  you  a  list  of 
ithpressed  American  sciimen  o.i  board  British  ships  o^ 
war,  who,  having  heard  of  the  war,  oft'ered  to  give 
themselves  up  as  prisonersj  and  for  so  doing  or  for 
refusing  to  do  service,  have  been  punished. 

I  beg  you  to  remind  lord  Castlereagh  that  the  other 
part  of  tny  letter  of  the  12th  instantj  requesting  the 
rele?»f e  of  the  Artierican  seamen  defaioed  in  the  Bri- 
\ish  siervice,  is  still  unanswered. 
1  am*  sir,  &c. 
(Signed)  ^.  t>.  BEASLEY. 

"the  list  referredi  to  in  the  preceding  letter,  sUtes  Jhe  cases  oi 
the  following  persons : 

John  Ballard,  on  board  the  Zenobia,  offered  him- 
telf  M  prisoner,  refused,  and  was  put  in  irons  for  one 
bight. 

John  Davis,  oh  board  the  Thistle,  gave  himself  up 
a&  a  prisoner  and  tcfused  further  service,  for  which 
he  was  flogged. 

Kphraim  Govell,  on  board  La  Hogue,  gave  himself 
up  as  a  prisoner  and  refused  further  service,  in  con- 
sequence  of  which  he  w;is  kept  seven  days  in  irons. 

John  Hosman,  on  board  La  Hogue,  gave  himself 
up  as  a  prisoner,   and  refused  ftifther  service  ;   was 


S6 


put  in  irons,  still  kept  ihcrein,  and  was  threatened  by 
the  commander  with  further  ptinishnient. 

Russell  tirainard,  on  board  La  Hogue,  gave  him- 
self upas  a  prisoner,  was  put  in  irons  and  still  kept 
therein. 

Thomas  W.  Marshall,  Peter  Lazette,  Edward 
Whittle  Banks  and  Levi  Younger,  on  board  the  Royal 
William,  gave  themselves  up  as  prisoners,  and  were 
in  conisequence  thereof  put  into  clote  confinement  for 
eight  days. 


October  13,  1813. 
Mr.  Beasley  requests  lord  Castlereagh  to  cause  the 
necessary  passports  to  be  furnished  for  the  American 
ship  William  and  Kli2a,  captain  Howland,  to  proceed 
to  the  United  Status  with  American  citizens. 


October  31,  1813. 
Mr.  Cooke  acquaints  Mr.  Beasley  that  there  will 
be  no  objectidn  to  granting  a  license  to  a  cartel  for 
carryingto  the  United  States  such  American  citizens, 
non-combatants,  as  may  wish  to  return  to  their  coun- 
try. He  requests  Mr.  Beasley  to  inform  him  of  the 
situation  of  the  American  ship  William  and  Eliza. 


Mr.  Beasley  to  E.  Cooke. 

WIMPOLE  STREET,  October  33, 1815.  " 
SIR,  ^ 

I  have  now  the  honor  to  repeal  to  you  what  I 

stated  in  conversation  this  morning,  that  the  persons 

for  whose  return  to  die  United  States  I  requested  the 

necessary  passi)orts,  arc,  for  the  most  part,  American 

masters  and  mariners  ;  that  some  of  them,  in  conse- 

quence  of  the  loss  of  their  vessels  abroad,  have  come 

here  on  their  way  to  America  ;  that  others  of  them 


Ik.. 


.,  -=.',afl^  ■  ^i.  * '- 


if?p^ 


"■fe 


ircatened  b) 

t. 

;,  gave  him- 

and  still  kept 

tie,  Edward 
urd  the  Hoyal 
frs,  atul  were 
ifmement  for 


r 13, 1813. 

I  to  cause  the 
he  American 
i,  to  proceed 
Jens. 


rSl,  1813. 
at  there  will 
3  a  cartel  for 
ican  citizens, 
o  their  coun- 
n  him  of  the 
and  Eliza. 


r33,  181S. 

♦ 
I  you  "what  I 

t  the  persons 

equested  the 

rt,  American 

:m,  in  conse- 

I,  have  come 

ers  of  them 


57 

havlni*  been  employed  in  British  ships,  are  now  de. 
sirous  of  returning  home  ;  that  others,  through  the 
drtention  or  condemnation  of  their  vessels  under  Bri- 
ti:,h  orders  in  council,  and  others,  through  all  the  ca. 
sualties  to  which  this  class  of  men  is  always  exposed, 
are  left  without  the  means  of  -conveyance.  None  of 
these  persons  have  been,  in  any  way,  engaged  in  hos- 
tilities  against  Great  Britain.  They  are  almost  wholly 
destitute,  and  for  some  time,  have  been  chiefly  sup. 
ported  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States.  There 
are  also,  I  believe,  some  American  merchants  and 
supercargoes  who  are  anxious  of  availing  themselves 
of  the  s.ime  opportunity  of  returnittg  to  their  country. 

You  are,  I  presume,  aware  that  the  American  go- 
vernment  has  aff()rded  every  facility  to  the  departure 
ef  those  British  subjects  in  the  United  States,  who 
were  under  similar  circumstances  with  the  persons 
included  in  my  request. 

With  regard  to  the  ship  William  and  Eliza,  in 
which  these  persons  are  to  embark,  I  beg  to  observe, 
that  I  am  well  assured  by  those  who  have  charge  of 
her,  that  there  is  no  impediment  to  her  departure. 
I  am,  8cc. 
(Signed)  R.  G.  BEASLEY. 


A  Cooke  to  R,  G.  Beasley. 

FOREIGN  OFFICE,  October  38,  1813. 

SIR, 

Having  laid  before  lord  Castlereagh  your  letter 
requesting  that  you  may  be  allowed  to  seiid  a  cartel 
to  America,  with  citizens  of  the  United  States  who 
wish  to  return  to  their  country,  I  am  directed  by  his 
lordship  to  express  his  consent  to  this  proposition, 
and  am  to  desire  you  will  confer  with  the  commis. 
sioners  for  prisoners  of  war,  with  regard  to  the  ac 

8 


58 


count  you  arc  to  give  for  such  parts  of  the  crew  as 
bhall  appear  to  be  combatants,  and  on  that  principle 
must  be  exchanged. 

I  am,  S(c. 
(Signed)  E.  COOKK. 


October  89,  i813. 
Mr.  Beasley  states  to  J.  W.  Croker  of  the  idmiral- 
ty  office,  that  lord  dstlercagh  had  referred  him  to 
the  commissioners  for  prisoners  of  war  ;  that  he  liad 
accordingly  applied  to  them  and  learnt  that  the  in- 
structions  which  that  Ijoa  J  had  received  from  the 
lords  of  the  admiralty  were  not  sufficiently  explicit  to 
enable  them  to  proceed  in  tlie  matter.  Mr.  Beasley 
requests  that  their  lordships  would  be  pleased  to  give 
such  further  directions  to  the  transport  board  as 
might  be  found  necessary. 


October  30,  1812. 
John  Barrow,  of  the  admiralty  office,  informs  Mr. 
Beasley,  that  his  letter  of  the  29th  October  had  been 
laid  before  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  admiralty, 
and  that  the  business  had  been  referred  to  the  trans- 
port board. 

October  29,  18  IS. 
Mr.  Beasley  informs  Alexander  M'Leay,  of  the 
transport  office,  that  he  had  requested  the  lords  of  the 
admiralty  would  be  pleased  to  g-ive  the  further  in- 
structions necessary,  and  presuming  th  it  these  in- 
structions would  be  immediately  given,  requests  Mr. 
M'Leay  to  inform  him  at  what  time  it  will  be  conve- 
nient for  the  commissioners  that  he  should  confer 
mth  them  on  the  subject. 


ti 
ii 
> 

V 

ti 
•J 

P 
t( 

P 
o 

ii 

a| 
c< 

b 

I) 

Ai 


h 

tt 
b 

CI 

It 
g 

Vi 


it 


le  crew  as 
It  principle 


OOKE. 


October  30,  l«i«. 
Alexander  M'Leay  informs  Mr.  Biaslcy  that  he 
is  directed  to  desire  that  Mr.  B.  would  transmit  to 
the  transport  office  a.list  of  ail  the  persons  whom  Mr. 
Beasley  propo^ted  to  send  to  America,  stating  their 
several  qualities,  and  when  and  how  they  respectively 
came  into  Great  Britain. 


9,  1813. 

ie  idmiraU 
ed  him  to 
:hat  he  had 
liat  the  in- 
d  from  the 
'  explicit  to 
Ir.  Beasley 
sed  to  give 
I  board  as 


0,  1812. 

tforms  Mr. 

r  had  been 

admiralty, 

>  the  trans- 


19,  1813. 

;ay,  of  the 
lords  of  the 
further  in- 
t  these  in- 
:quests  Mr. 
I  be  conve- 
Duld  confer 


November  3,  1819. 
Mr  Beasley  transmits  to  Alexant'^r  M  Le.iy,  «)f  the 
transport  office,  a  list  of  American  citizens  wliom  it 
is  proposed  to  send  to  the  United  States  in  the  ship 
William  and  Eliza,  stating  their  several  ()ualities,  and 
when  and  how  they  resptctively  came  into  Great  Bri- 
tain. This  list  contains  one  hundred  and  ten  names. 
To  these  are  added  a  list  of  six  persons,  being  other 
passengers  in  the  same  vessel.  Mr.  Beasley  remark* 
to  Mr.  M'Leay,  "  I  am  well  informed  that  many 
persons  of  the  dcscripiion  and  under  the  circumstan- 
ces of  those  mentioned  in  the  first  of  these  listb,  (be- 
ing  seamen)  who  were  awaiting  the  result  of  ray  late 
application  to  lord  Castlereagh  for  a  cartel  for  their 
conveyance  to  America,  have,  within  few  days  past, 
been  seized  by  the  impress  officers  uud  taken  on 
board  the  lender  of  the  tower  ;  and  1  lieg  to  know 
uhat  are  the  intentions  of  the  British  governnf»ent  re- 
specting them  ?" 


Movcmberfe,  18Ja. 
Alexander  M'Leay  informs  Mr.  Beasley  that  he 
had  received  and  laid  before  the  commissioners  for 
the  transport  service  the  list  of  persons  proposed  to 
be  sent  to  the  United  States  in  the  William  and  Eliza 
cartel,  and  adds,  •*  In  return  I  am  directed  to  request 
that  you  will  inform  the  board  whether  you  will  en- 
gage that  the  above  mentioned  persons  on  ihcir  arri- 
val in  the  United  States  shavl  be  excUan"-ed  for  ati 


60 


equivalent  number  of  British  subjects,  who  may  have 
fallen  into  the  hand-,  of  the  Americans.  1  am  ut  t'lO 
same  time  to  acqudiot  you,  that  the  prisoners  above 
alluded  to  must  sign  engagements  not  to  serve  against 
this  country  or  its  allies  until  regularly  exchdnged.'* 


Novembei  7,  1819. 
Mr.  Beasley  writes  to  Alexander  M'Leay. 
*'  I  have  to  inform  the  board  that  I  an*  willing  to 
engage  that  the  American  citizens  whom  1  propose 
to  send  to  the  United  States  on  board  the  vVilliam 
and  Eliza  cartel,  shall,  on  their  arrival  there,  be  ex< 
changed  for  an  equivalent  number  of  British  subjects 
of  the  same  descri|)tion,  who.  may  have  * .  iien  into  the 
hands  of  the  United  States  under  similar  circum- 
stances  ;  and  that  the  men  themselves  shall  sign  en* 
gagt-ments  for  the  jjcrformance  of  any  conditions  si- 
mUar  to  those  which  may  have  been  exacted  of  such 
British  subjects  in  the  United  Si .ites ;  it  being  un. 
derstood,  that  if  it  be  found  tliat  British  subjects,  un- 
der any  such  circumstances,  have  lieen  suffered  freely 
to  depart  from  the  United  States,  then  these  engage, 
ments,  so  far  as  regards  the  corresponding  class  of 
American  citiii;ens,  shall  be  void.  If,  however,  it  be 
more  satisfactory  to  the  board,  that  the  return  or  ex. 
change  of  these  men  should  be  regulated  by  the  prin« 
ciples  recognized  by  the  two  governments  in  the 
Cartel  which,  I  am  informed,  has  been  lately  conclud* 
ed  at  \yashington,  I  am  ready  to  enter  into  an  en« 
ga^ement  to  that  effect." 


Noveint>er  13,  1812. 
Alexander  M*Leay  lurites  to  Mr.  Beasley. 
**  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  the  prisoners 
mentioned  in  the  list  transmitted  by  you  will  be  re- 
leaded,  upon  your  entering  into  an  unconditional  en- 


61 


may  have 

am  ut  t'lC 

icrs  above 

ve  against 

changed." 


r.  isia. 
Leay. 
willing  to 

I  propose 
e  William 
re,  bf  ex- 
ih  subjects 
en  into  the 
ar  cir(  um« 

II  sign  en. 
ulitions  Sl- 
ed of  such 

being  un. 
bjccts,  un- 
Fered  freely 
se  engage. 
ig  class  of 
ever,  it  be 
urn  or  ex- 
y  the  prin. 
nts  in  the 
y  conclud* 
ito  an  en« 


gagement  that  they  shall  be  exchanged  for  British 
prisoners  now  in  America  or  who  may  be  hen  jftcr 
taken." 


November  Ifi,  1814. 
Mr.  Beasky  ivrites  to  Alexander  M'Liuiy. 

•'  For  those  American  citizens  who  composed  the 
crews  of  ships  takt-n  in  war,  I  am  at  all  times  ready 
to  enter  into  any  engagement  which  the  law  and 
usage  of  nations  require.  But  for  those  w  horn  your 
laws  have  invited,  or  whom  misfortune  has  thrown 
into  your  country  ;  whom  ac'.un  '  and  not  the  for. 
tune  of  war,  has  placed  with  n  vour  \  ower,  I  must 
§till  urge  my  request,  that  ti  ci  it,  all  ,vtd  to  depart 
the  kingdom  on  the  conditio,  s  ;  iprai  i  in  my  letter 
of  the  7th  instant."  But  "  ii  h  •  '..oard  will  enter 
into  an  unconditional  cngagtii.cnt,  that  all  Brit'-hh 
subjects  who  have  been  permitted  to  leave  the  liiiited 
States  since  the  declaration  of  war,  or  who  may  be 

{)ermitted  to  depart  therefrom,  shall  be  exchanged 
or  American  prisoners  of  war,  I  will,  in  like  man, 
ner,  engage  (or  those  American  citizens  agreeably  to 
your  letter,"  Mr.  Beasley  adds — "  This  arrange- 
ment,  however,  1  would  make  with  great  reluctance  ; 
because  it  would  not  be  in  unison  with  that  spirit  of 
liberal  warfare  entertained  by-the  government  of  the 
United  States,  and  because  it  would  bring  within  the 
influence  of  the  war  those  who  might,  without  dttri- 
ment  to  either  party,  be  exempt  from  its  operation. 


3,  1812. 
jsley. 

B  prisoners 
will  be  re- 
iUionai  en> 


.    November  83,  1812. 
Mr.  Beasley  writes  to  Mr.  Hamilton^  of  the  foreign 

office, 
*•  I  must  beg  leave  to  state,  that  that  part  of  my  note 
of  the  12th  ultimo,  addre   ,ed  to  lord  Castlereagh,    t-- 
htive  to  American  citizens  w  ho  have  betii  imprei,it  d 


:oe 


und  are  now  held  in  bis  majesty's  naval  service,  rc)- 
fn^ins  unanswered  To  the  reasons  already  urged 
for  the  discharge  of  tliose  men,  may  be  added  that  of 
compelling  them  tn  fight  against  their  country  ;  and 
I  need  scarcely  add,  that  as  they  were  forcibly  detain* 
ed  before  the  cominencement  of  hostilities,  it  would 
be  very  unjust  to  discharge  them  merely  to  make 
them  prisoners  Of  the  number  of  those  unfortunate 
persons,  mariy  must  be  in  vessels  on  foreign  stations 
at  a  great  distance.  It  is  a  subject  of  much  public  in- 
terest in  the  United  States,  and  one  which  involves 
(he  domestic  comfort  and  happiness  of  many  families./^ 


November  $4,  1813.    ' 

Alexander  M*Leay  writes  to  Mr.  BeasUy^  atulafttr 
iome  preinninary  reasoning  says, 

"  The  commissioners  (of  the  transport  office)  ate 
instructed  (liy  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  admi* 
ralty)  to  continue  to  require  from  you  an  uncondi^ 
tional  receipt,  as  prisoners  of  war,  for  all  persons  of 
this  description  previous  to  their  being  permitted  to 
return  to  America." 


DetemberSS,  IBIS. 
Alexander  M*L,eay  ivrites  to  Mr.  Beasley. 
*'  I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  commission, 
ers  for  the  transport  service,  &c.  your  letter  of  live 
15th  instant,  and  in  return  am  directed  to  acquaint 
you,  that  at  present  they  are  only  authorized  to  deli- 
ver  up  to  you  the  Americans  mentioned  in  the  list 
transmitted' by  you  on  the  3d  of  November." 

December  24,  1813. 
Mr.  Heashs  writes  to  Alexander  M*Leay.     , 
"  After  so  long  a  time  spent  in  discussing  the  plriiu 
eiples  and  conditions  of  an  cxchaoge  of  prisoners  be- 


^/j^aw  ^aMT-t|*a<tx:-MBB5».t.::  «A>r.iib^JMMf^<t...«ie4^'.«&-U^^Wi^ 


il  service,  re*- 
ilready  urged 
added  that  of 
ountry  ;  and 
rcibly  detain* 
ties,  it  would 
•fly  to  make 
e  unfortunate 
L-ign  stilitions 
ich  public  in- 
lich  invoflves 
my  families.^*^ 

^94,  1813.  '  i 
/ry,  atidafteir 

>rl  office)  2lti 
of  the  admi> 

an  uncondu 
lUI  persons  of 

permitted  t6 


rS3,  181S. 
leasky. 
commission, 
letter  of  il^e 
[  to  acquaint 
rized  to  deli- 
d  in  the  list 
ibcr." 


•24,  1812. 

l^Leay.     . 

•ing  the  ptit^ 
iirisoners  be- 


63 

tween  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  I  per* 
ceive  with  some  surprise,  by  your  letter  of  yesterday, 
that  the  only  persons  whom  the  board  are  authorized 
to  deliver  up  to  me,  are  those  mentioned  in  the  list 
transmitted  to  you  on  the  3d  November,  who  though 
so  long  known  to  the  board  as  bt  ing  at  large  in  this 
city,  have  never  been  detained  as  prisoners  ;  and  who 
have,  ever  since  their  arrival,  been  maintained  at  the 
charge  of  the  United  States.  During  this  interval, 
those  persons  have  been  partially  dispersed ;  some 
have  been  taken  up  as  prisoners,  some  have  been 
impressed*  and  some  have  otherwise  disappeared. 
Others,  however,  under  similar  circumstances,  have 
since  been  added,  and  tliere  now  remain  about  one 
hundred  persons.  Of  these  men,  as  I  understand  the 
tenor  of  our  correspondence,  those  who  belonged  lo 
Vessels  detained  or  taken  in  war,  are  to  be  sufTerc^.  lo 
proceed  to  the  United  States  on  my  entering  into  the 
engagement  which  accompanied  your  letter  of  the 
14th  instant  ;  but  that  for  the  others,  no  engagement 
is  required.  In  order  to  avoid  any  further  misunder. 
standing,  1  beg  to  know  whether  this  recapitulation 
is  correct." 


Alexander  M'Leay  to  R.G.  Beasley. 

TRANSPORT  OFFICE,  36th  December  1819. 
SIR, 

I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  commission, 
ers  for  the  tran.sport  service,  &c.  your  letter  of  the 
i24th  instant,  and  in  return,  I  am  directed  to  acquaint 
you,  that  it  is  the  intention  of  his  majesty's  govern- 
ment  that  such  of  the  Americans,  named  in  the  list 
which  accompaniedyour  letttrof  the  3d  of  last  month, 
as  belonged  to  vessels  detained  or  taken,  and  as  are 
consequently  prisoners  of  war,  shall  be  suffered  lo 
proceed  to  the  United  States  upon  your  entering  into 
the  engagement  -which  accompanied  my  letter  ol"  the 


\ 


-««lr^ 


64 


14th  instant ;  but  tHat  for  Americans  who  were  resi. 
dent  or  travelling  in  this  country,  or  resorting  hither 
for  commercial  purposes,  not  as  mariners,  no  such 
engagement  will  be  required. 

I  am,  &c.  ** 

(Signed)  ALEXANDER  M'LEAY. 


December  38,  1813. 
Mr,  Beasley  'writes  to  Alexander  M>LeQy. 
•'  On  referring  to  that  list  (which  accompanied  my 
letter  of  the  3d  ultimo)  you  will  perceive  another 
class  of  persons,  namely,  mariners  who  did  not  be- 
long to  vessels  detained  or  taken,  and  as  your  omit* 
ting  to  notice  these  men  in  your  letter  might  leave 
room  for  some  doubt  respecting  them,  I  lose  no  time 
in  requesting  to  be  informed  on  what  terms  the  board 
understand  that  they  are  to  be  suffered  to  return  to 
4he  United  States." 


December  39,  1813. 
Alexander  M'Leay  nurites  to  Mr»  Beasley. 
"  By  a  reference  to  my  letter  of  the  26th  instant, 
you  will  observe  that  mariners  are  expressly  except- 
ed from  the  description  of  persons  who  afe  to  be  re- 
leased unconditionally,  and  consequently  it  is  neces- 
sary  you  should  give  a  receipt  for  all  the  marioers 
named  in  the  list  transmitted  by  you." 


t- 


February  17,  1813. 
Mr.  Beasley  to  Alexander  M'-Leay. 
"  In  reply  to  your  letter  of  the  9th  instant,  comniu- 
nicating  the  result  of  inquiries  made  by  order  of  the 
lords  commissioners  of  the  admiralty  relative  to  the 


Ik.. 


»  were  resi« 
rting  hither 
rs,  no  such 


'LEAy» 


28,1813. 

npanied  my 
ive  another 
did  not  be* 
your  omit* 
might  leave 
ose  no  time 
ns  the  board 
to  return  to 


er39,  1813. 
easley. 
26th  instant, 
ssly  except* 
fe  to  be  re- 
it  is  neces* 
he  marioen 


17,  1813.      , 

pay. 

mt,  commU' 
order  of  the 
lative  to  the 


69 

diHeged  ill  treatment  of  certain  seamen  claiming  to 
l^e  Americans,  in  the  British  service,  in  consequeiice 
of  their  having  requested  to  be  considered  as  pri. 
soners  of  war,  as  represented  in  my  letter  to  lord 
Castlereagh  of  the  12th  October^  I  have  to  observe, 
that  although  the  statement  of  those  persons  and  that 
contained  in  your  letter  differ  greatly  as  to  the  de* 
gree  of  this  ill-treatment,  it  does  appear  that  some 
severity  was  exercised  towards  them  on  that  occa- 
sion, and  without  arty  proper  investigation  of  their 
claim  of  American  citizenship,  which,  if  established, 
should  have  exempted  them,  not  only  from  punish, 
ment,  but  from  service.  As  it  may  be  inferred,  how- 
ever, from  your  letter,  that  if  proof  be  produced  to 
support  their  claim  their  request  will  yet  be  complied 
with,  I  have  to  inform  vou,  that  evidence  to  that  effect 
was  long  since  transmitted  to  the  lords  of  the  admi- 
ralty in  behalf  of  several  of  these  persons.**  [Here 
fotiows  the  names  of  ^iersons  and  a  recitation  of  the 
proof  of  citisenship,  8tc  ]  Mr.  Bcasley  proceeds, 
^*  1  cannot  aVoid  expressing  my  disappointment  arid 
regret  that  no  notice  has  been  taken  of  the  reque 
made  to  lord  Castlereagh  in  my  letter  of  the  l^th  Ov 
October,  for  the  general  release  of  the  American 
seamen  detained  in  the  British  service.*' 


§IR, 


Aie»cattder  M*Leay  te  R.  C*  Bedstey^ 
i'RANSPORT  OFFICE,  Se^i  Febrtiary,  t•^^. 


I  have  received  and  laid  before  the  commissiofir 
ers  for  the  transport  service,  &c.  your  letter  of  the 
17th  of  this  month,  with  its  enclosure,  relative  to  t^ 
alleged  ill  treatment  of  certain  sedmen,  claiming  to 
be  Americans,  in  the  British  serviccii,  in  consequence 
of  their  having  requested  to  be  consic^red  a«  prison- 
ers of  war  J  and  the  same  having  been  leferi^d  ta  thp 

9 


iii&.ilfci' Jiij  *■;.«"■ 


66 

right  honorable  the  lords  commissioners  of  the  admi- 
ralty, I  am  directed  by  the  board  to  transmit  to  you 
the  enclosed  copy  of  a  letter  which  they  have  receiv- 
ed from  their  lordships'  secretary  in  answfer  thereto. 

I  am,  &c. 

(Signed)  ALEXANDER  M'LEAY. 


^ohn  Barrow  to  the  Transport  Board. 
ADMIRALTY  OFFICE,  25th  February,  1813. 

Gentlemen, 

Having  laid  before  my  lords  commissioners 
of  the  admirahy  your  letter  of  the  18th  instant,  in- 
closing the  copy  of  a  letter,  together  with  the  docu- 
tiients  therein  referred  to,  from  Mr.  Beaslcy,  the  Ame- 
rican  agent  for  prisoners  of  war  in  this  country,  on 
the  subject  of  certain  alleged  citizens  of  the  United 
States  detained  in  his  maiesty's  service,  1  have  it  in 
command  to  signify  their  lordship's  directions  to  you 
to  acquaint  Mr.  Beasley,  that  neither  now  in  war, 
nor  before,  during  peace,  is,  or  was  the  British  go- 
vernment  desirous  of  having  American  seamen  in  its 
service,  and  that  their  lordships  will  now  discharge, 
as  prisoners  of  war,  as  they  formerfy  did  as  neutrals, 
those  persons  who  can  adduce  any  sufficient  proof  of 
their  being  Americans. 

You  will  further  inform  Mr.  Beasley,  that  all  the 
cases  stated  by  him  have  received,  or  are  under  acrfh- 
rate  examination,  and  that  such  persona  who  may  ap- 
pear to  be  Americans  will  be  immediately  sent  to 
prison,  as  many  have  been  already. 
,.)  I  am,  &c.    ^  '■'■ 


•»(il;?i  f<^- 


fSigned) 


JOHN  BARROW. 


XfA- 


57 


ic  admi* 

t  to  you 

e  receiv- 

thereto. 

EAY. 


d. 

ry,  18'13. 


(ilssioners 
istant,  in- 
the  docu- 
the  Ame- 
untry,  on 
he  United 
have  it  in 
ons  to  you 
w  in  war, 
British  go- 
itn^en  in  its 
discharge, 
IS  neutrals, 
nt  proof  of 

Lhat  all  the 
inder  acsrfh- 
ho  may  ap' 
sly  sent  to 


^0\V. 


Alexander  M'-Leay  to  Mr.  Beasley. 

TRANSPORT  OFFICE,  6th  March,  1813. 
SIR, 

I  am  directed  by  the  commissioners  for  the  trans- 
port service,  &c.  to  inform  you,  that  upon  the  receipt 
of  the  printed  letters  which  were  transmitted  ijy  you 
lo  this  office,  for  the  purpose  of  being  forwarded  to 
certain  seamen  on  board  of  his  majesty's  ships  of  war, 
they  considered  it  their  duty  to  submit  the  same  to 
the  consideration  of  the  right  honorable  the  lords  com- 
missioners of  the  admiralty,  and  to  request  their 
lordships'  directions  on  the  subject ;  and  the  board 
having,  this  day,  a  letter  from  their  lordships'  secre  - 
tary,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy,  I  have  their 
directions  to  acquaint  you  accordingly,  that  the  letters 
in  question  will  not  be  forwarded,  and  that  you  cannot 
be  permitted  to  maintain  any  correspondence  with 
the  seamen  on  board  his  majesty's  fleet. 

\  am,  &c. 

(Signed;  ALKXANDPR  M'LEAY,  , 


John  Barrov)  to  the  Transport  Board. 

ADMIRALITY  OFFICE,  5th  March,  1813, 
Gentlemen, 

In  reply  to  your  letter  of  the  16th  of  last  month 
enclosing  a  letter  addressed  by  Mr.  Beasley  to  a  sea- 
man on  board  his  majesty's  ship  Porcupine,  and  re- 
questing to  be  iuformed  if  letters  of  a  similar  des- 
cription should  be  forwarded  to  the  persons  to  whom 
they  are  addressed,  I  am  commanded  by  my  lords 
commissioners  of  the  admiralty,  to  signify  their  di- 
rection to  you  not  to  forward  any  such  letters,  and  to 
acquaint  Mr.  Beasley  that  he  cannot  be  permitted  to 
maintain  any  correspondence  with  the  seamen  on 
board  his  majesty's  fleet;  o.bstrving  to  him,  at  the 
same  time,  that  the  printed  letter  in  question  contains 


\ 


\ 


06 

)i  statement  unfounded  in  fact,  for  that  neither  since 
the  war,  with  America,  lYor  before,  have  their  lord - 
shijis  declined  to  release  American  seami^n,  ii<1n»tiitrrl 
or  proved  to  t*-;  such,  though  they  have  i  * ul  Sij,!'  do 
refuse  to  release  persons  ^suming,  withouc  au)  proof 
or  docu^nenrt,  tiV^^t  character. 

I  ani«  &c. 

(Signed](  JNO.  TJARHOW. 


Copy  of  the  printed  circular  \etttr  adi>ress^d  to  Ameri- 
can seamen  w  British  ships  sff  vrar. 

LONDON,  Ji^!l. 

I^.  answer  to  ycur  letter  of  the  I  have 

10  ?Sj.fuV  ti  you,  \hd  the  lords  comn)issioners  of  the  ad* 
IkI:  u'V  bivlig,  in  cousecjuence  of  the  war  between 
the  TJv ilcd  iSsates  and  Gi'eat  Britain,  declined  to  re* 
kafei^"  those  American  citizens  wha  have  been  impress- 
ed and  are  held  in  the  British  service,  ii>t>re  appears 
to  be  no  other  coujrse  for  you  to  pursue  ihan  to  give 
yojjrseSf  up  as  a  prisoner  of  war  to  the  commander 
of  the  ship  in  Which  you  are  detained. 


Agent  ^t  fie  United  States  for  prisoner's 
\^  v)ar  in  Great  Britain, 


Extracts  oj  a  letter  Jr^m  Mr.  Beasky  to  Alexander 
M'l^eqy,  dated  13/A  M^rch,  1813. 

"  In  the  letter  of  their  lordships*  secretary  of  the 
5th  instant,  t^  board  are  directed  to  observe  to  me 
that  the  printed  letter  which  I  ad,dressed  to  certain 
Ameriiian  seamen  detained  in  the  British  navy, 
^■^  contains  a  statement  unfounded  in  fact;  for  that  nei- 
ther since  the  vvsir  with  America,  nor  before,  have 


thcr  since 
heir  !ord- 

ul  hV-V,  do 
miy  pfoof 


ROW. 


to  Ameri- 

J.'*  SI. 

I  havQ 
of  the  ad- 
r  between 
incd  to  re- 
n  impress- 
re  appears 
(an  to  give 
aromandcr 


r  pnsoner^s 


Aifxander 
3. 

!tary  ot"  the 
erve  to  me 
to  certain 
tish  navy, 
or  that  nei> 
.'fore,  have 


69 


their  lordjhii^  declined  to  release  American  teamen 
admitted  or  proved  to  be  such.*'  It  is  not  necessary  to 
my  present  purpose  to  enter  upon  a.i  exan^ination  of 
their  lordships'  conduct  on  this  matter  before  the 
war ;  although  my  own  official  observation,  in  nume- 
rous cases,  when  I  held  the  office  of  consul,  would 
BUthori;ce  me  to  dispute  even  that  part  of  their  secre- 
tary's 'assertion.     But  with  reference  to  their  lord- 
ships' conduct  since  the  war,  I  beg  to  remind  them  of 
their  letter  of  the  5ih  August,  soon  after  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war,  in  answer  to  a  request  made 
on  ttie  31st  July  for  the  release  of  certain  impressed 
American  seamen,  in  which  their  lordships  going  be- 
yond the  mere  declining  to  release  »he  men,  stated, 
•'  that  under  the  present  circumstances,  they  will  de- 
fer the  consideration  of  the  request  for  their  release ;'» 
•r,  in  other  words,  that  they  will  not  at  present,  war 
being  commenced,  evert  think  on  the  subject  of  their 
rekase.     If  further  proof  be  necessary  of  their  lord- 
ships' having,  as  I  stated  in  my  primed  letter,  decli- 
ned the  release  of  such  seamen  in  consequence  of  the 
war,  I  will  call  to  their  recollection  a  letter  v  -itten  by 
their  secretary,  on  the  25ih  of  August,  in  answer  to 
an  application  for  tlie  release  of  William  Wilson,  an 
impressed  American  detained  on  board  the  Cordelia, 
in  which  they  state  that  this  man  being  an  alien  enemy 
must  continue  to  serve  or  go  to  prison.     Should  other 
corroboration  be  wanted,  it  may  be  found  in  the  long 
and  marked  silence  of  the  British  government  to  my 
numerous  applications,  again  aod  again  repeated,  for 
the  release  of  these  men ;  seeing  that  it  was  not  until 
the  25th  of  February,  nearly  seven  months  after  their 
lordships  had  informed  me  of  tHeir  having  defer- 
red the  consideration  of  the  subject,'  and  nearly  five 
months  after  my  formal  demand  made  to  lord  Castlc- 
reagh,  that  they  directed  the  board  to  inform  me  of 
their  intention  to  treat  them  as  prisoners  of  war.    And 
even  this  was  not  done  until  eight  days  after  my  print- 
ed letter  in  question  appears  to  have  b.en  on  their  ta- 


f 


.•a; 


70 

ble.  surely  it  was  in  utter  forgetfulriess  of  all  these 
circumstances  that  thtir  lordships  declared  my  state- 
ment unfounded  in  f.ict ;  for  it  appears  impossible  that 
they  can,  in  the  mind  of  any  person,  bear  a  different 
interpretation  fiom  that  which  I  have  given  them. 
But  how  do  these  facts  bear  on  their  lordships'  state- 
ment ?  H<nv,  I  ask,  does  their  determination,  that 
Wilson,  proved  and  admitted  to  he  an  American,  must 
continue  to  serve  or  go  to  prison^  support  the  asser. 
tion  that  »heir  lordships  have  not  declined  to  release 
American  seamen  admitted  or  proved  to  be  such  ?  But, 
perhaps  in  their  lordships  view,  to  send  them  from 
service  and  detention  in  ships  of  war  to  confinement 
in  prisons,  is  to  release  them.  If  so,  it  is  unnecessary 
to  pursue  the  subject  further,  and  I  will  content  my- 
self with  haviiig  vindicated  the  correctness  of  my 
own  statement." 

*•  I  come  now  to  the  consideration  of  their  lord- 
ships' purpose,  as  expressed  in  their  secretary's  letter 
of  the  25ih  ultimo,  to  treat  as  prisoners  of  war  the 
Ameriean  seamen  who  have  been  impressed  and  are 
held  i"*  the  British  service.  Taking  into  view  the 
manner  in  which  these  unfortunate  persofjs  came  into 
the  power  of  the  British  government,  that  their  own 
rights  and  inclinations,  the  rights  of  their  country, 
the  law  of  nations,  and  every  principle  of  justice  were 
violated  in  the  very  act  by  which  each  of  these  men 
was  brought  within  its  power,  and  that  this  wrong 
accumulates  so  long  as  any  of  them  remain  in  its 
power,  I  do  maintain  that  they  are  on  every  ;;round 
entitled  to,  and  the  British  government  is  bound  ta 
grant,  their  immediate  and  complete  release.  It  ac- 
quired  them  only  as  the  spoils  of  unlawful  violence ; 
how  then  can 'it  retain  them  as  the  fruits  of  lawful 
war  ?  Its  right  of  controul  over  them  can  only  arise 
from  the  lawfulness  of  their  detention  ;  but  that  which 
was  unlawfully  taken  cannot  be  rightfully  held,  and 
to  acknowledge  the  pretension  to  such  controul  as 
:htir  lordbhips'  purpose  implies,  would  be  to  legiti- 


atl  these 
ny  state- 
sihle  that 
different 
:n  them. 
ps'  state- 
ion,  that 
:a«,  must 
he  asser- 

0  release 
h?  But, 
em  from 
ifinement 
necessary 
itent  my- 
is  of  my 

eir  lord- 

ry's  letter 

war  the 

1  and  are 
view  the 

:ame  into 
their  own 
country, 
tice  were 
hese  men 
lis  wrong 
aip  in  its 
y  i;round 
bound  to 
e.  It  ac- 
violence ; 
of  lawful 
only  arise 
h»r  which 
htld,  and 
ntroul  as 
to  legiti- 


71 

matize  the  act  by  which  they  ramc  into  their  povwr. 
The  British  government  disclaims  all  right  and  all 
intention  to  take  them,  tmd  this  disavowal  is  an  ac- 
knowledgement of  its  obligation  to  restore  thtm  to 
the  same  condition,  and  to  the  same  freeduni  frt)m 
which  they  were  taken.  Upon  what  ground  is  it  tin  n, 
that  they  are  lo  be  treated  as  prisoners  ol  war  ?    Not 
many  years  have  elapsed  since  all  Europe  resounded 
with  the  complaints  of  Great  Britain  against  France 
for  detaining  as  prisoners  of  war  certain  British  sub- 
jects who,  having  entered  the  French  territories  in 
time  ot  peace,  were  found  there  at  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war.     But,  if  that  were  regarded  b  Englund 
as  an  outrage,  what  will  be  thought  of  this  detention, 
as  prisoners  of  war,  of  American  seam.en  who,  hav- 
ing been  wrongfully  taken  on  the  high  seas  and  for- 
cibly carried  into  die  British  service  in  time  of  peace, 
are  found  therein  at  the  breaking  out  of  a  war  doing 
her  service  and  fighting  her  battles?  Tite  conduct  of 
France  was  attempted  to  be  jubtiHed  by  certain  acts 
of  England,  which  were  alleged  to  be  equally  con- 
trary to  the  law  of  nations.     But  what  justiiicatiun, 
what  excuse,  can  be  set  up  for  this  conduct  of  Great 
Britain   towards  the  impressed  American  seamen  ? 
What  infraction  of  the  law  of  nations,  what  violence 
^or  injuistice  exercised  towards  British  subjects,  or 
ijWbat  outrage  is  this  cruel  act  to  retali*te  ?    It  cannot 
«:be  the  free  and  spqnianeons  permission  given  [yy  ilie 
United  States,  at  the  commencement  of  the  war,  for 
every  British  subject,  of  every  class  and  description, 
found  within  their  territories  or  in  their  power,  to  re- 
turn to  his  country,  that  this  imprisonment  of  Ame- 
rican seamen  is  to  requite.     And  surely  this  cannot 
be  the  indemnification   which  Great  Britain  oftlrs 
these  unfortunate  men  for  the  wrongs  which  she  has 
inflicted  on  thim,  or  the  reward  which  she  bestows 
for  the  service  she  has  received  at  their  hands. 

"  To  the  unqualified  prohibition  of  all  correspon- 
dence between  myself  and  the  impressed  American 


u 

seaititu  in  his  Britannic  majes«y*s  fleet,  so  unreserv- 
edly itattu  in  the  letter  of  their  lords*iips'  secretary 
of  thr  6ili  •••  ■  nuist  conform,  wh.stever  may  be 

my  srnti'     <  '    ^.  lings  rcsptoung  It.     The  situ> 

ntion        V    ..  jse  unfortunate   men   and   myself 

stood  'O'.vards  each  other,  appeared  not  only  to  invite, 
but  Ut  authorize  a  communication  between  us.  On 
thtir  part,  the  object  of  this  correspondence  was  to 
obtain  i'tformation  and  counsel  as  to  the  proper  man- 
ner of  conducting  therr  '  ..  •  'er  circumstances 
the  most  difficult,  and  on  an  occasion  ihe  most  im- 
portant and  solemn,  namely,  how  t«>  act  while  forci- 
bly ht-ld  to  service  in  ships  of  war  belonging  to  a  state 
engaged  in  actual  hostilities  against  their  country  ; 
a  situ<ttion  which  their  own  good  sense  and  proper 
feelings  taught  them  was  alike  incompatible  with  heir 
rights  and  their  duties.  My  part  has  been,  after  hav- 
ing waited  five  months  in  vain  for  a  communication 
of  their  lordship's  intentions,  to  recommend  them> 
since  there  ap|)eared  no  means  of  obtaining  their  re- 
lease, to  give  themselves  tip  as  prisoners  of  war;  an 
evil  comparatively  1-ght  o  that  which  they  suflfer. 
In  other  instances  their  letters  have  related  the  Cjtc. 
tion  of  their  offer  and  the  threats  of  punishment,  and 
all  contain  complaints  of  the  unexampled  har^>hip  of 
their  situation." 


Extract  of  a  fetter  from  Robert  Montgomery,  consul 
of  tl  Jn'itcd  'States  c  ilicante,  iated  the  At  I  No- 
vembei ,  1812,  tot''c  secretary  oj  .State. 

"  Herewiih  is  a  copy  oi  a  letter  to  admiral  Hal- 
lowcll,  W-.  .  h-.i  reply.  T ''e  man  in  !j  estion  has  de- 
clared under  oath  that  be  iicver  signed  any  article  or 
agreement  whatever  to  serve  nni  board  'he  Ijs.iefatiga- 
blc,  nor  any  other  British  v  isel,  and  he  has  no-v  left 
her,  losing  what  wa       wb'   'uc  him." 


1 


73 

ALlCANTli,  i;iUUctober,  1811. 

Philips,  a  mariner  and  citizen  or  the  United 
Stucs,  an  appears  by  a  rcjjubr  protection  from  the 
c.llcctor  of  New  York,  iiir)rnis  nie  that  some  time 
.sinct  he  engaged  himself  on  boud  the  transport  In 
dtfatiguhle  for  six  months  at  certain  wages  agreed 
for ;  that  ht  has  now  been  eight  m  inhs  in  said  vessel, 
and  demands  his  discharge  deid  wages,  but  the  master 
having  refused  both,  obligt  s  me  to  n/juest  you  will 
inform  j  ours-  If  of  the  fuct,  and  if,  as  the  mariner 
•itiitcs,  order  him  to  be  paid  oflf  and  discharg'  d. 
Permit  me  to  assure  you,  &c.  4 

(Signed)  RbBT.  MONTGOMERY. 

MefiMpiin  Holtowell,  esq.  , 

Mfniral  royal  n»vy  of  Grtst  Bhta 


SIU. 


Mmirai  Hallowell  to  Mr.  Montgomery, 
Jlismjrsty's  ship  Malta, 
IN  ALICANTE  BAY.  asih  October,  1813. 


I  spon  inquiry  that  there  is  on  board  the 

Wr-fai..     ■-  transport  the  man  men  ioned  in  your 
r    "of  lite  2.3d.      As  thire  is  no  objection  to  a 

.reiKoer -oing  in  the  station  of  ma. i.uro„  board 
.  v«5e'  thu  aescription.  and  as  he  has  signed 
aruclSo.  rr  ^c  to  serve  on  board  the  Inde- 
r  Sk  I  si        ot  molest  him  while  he  contmues 

'?i :  '  :  the  n.  ment  he  gets  Im  discharge  I  sh^U 
detin  it  my  duty  to  take  hold  of  h.m,  and  put  bim  m 
confinement  is  *  prisoner  of  war. 

»  1  have  ih       nor  ta  be,  &c.  ^ 


4 


>  So.  4. 

Compulsory  service  of  impressed  Americans  oft 
board  British  shipi  of  war. 


I,  Beekman  Ver  Plank  Hoffman,  6(  the  town  ot 
Poughkfcpsie,  do  certify,  that  I  am  a  heutenant  in 
the  United  States'  naVy  ;  that  I  was  a  lieutenant  on 
bosrd  the  Constitution  frigate  in  the  action  and  cap- 
ture of  the  Guerriere ;  that  after  her  surrender  I  was 
Sent  on  board,  and  after  taking  out  the  crew  fired  and 
tAevv  up  the  ship  ;  that  eight  impressed  American 
seamen  wiere  among  the  crew  of  the  Guerriere,  who 
were  liberated  at  Boston.  I  was  also  on  board  the 
Constitution  in  the  action  and  capture  of  the  Java, 
and  was  sent  on  board  that  vessel,  and  after  the  crew 
Were  removed,  set  her  on  fire  and  blew  her  up. 
Ami  igst  tlYt  crew  of  the  Java,  thirteen  impressed 
American  seamen  were  found,  three  of  whom  had 
entered  the  British  acrvic  and  were  left,  the  other  ten 
were  liberated  as  Americans. 

Dated  Poiiii^hkeepsie,  April  16,  1813. 

B.  V.  HOJFMAN. 


Dutchess  county,  ss. 
Richard  Thompson,  being  isworn,  saith  that  he 
is  a  native  of  New  Paltz,  opposite  Poughkeepsie  ; 
that  he  sailed  from  Wilmington  about  the  28th  o^' 
AprjU  1810,  on  board  brig  War*;n,  William  Kelly, 
captain,  for  Cork.  On  the  homeward  passage,  in 
September  following,  he  was  impressed  and  ;aken  on 
board  the  Peacock,  a  British  sloop  of  ivar,  and  com- 

Sellcd  to  do  ^uty.     That  while  on  board  that  v  cssel 
e  made  many  unsuccessful  attempts  to  write  to  his 
friends,  to  inform  them  of  his  situation.     Ht  further 


75 


lericans  oft 


the  town  oi 
leutenaiit  in 
cutenant  on 
DH  and  cap- 
endcr  I  was 
;w  fired  and 
d  American 
crriere,  who 
w  board  thr 
>f  the  Java, 
ker  the  crew 
L'W  her  up. 
1  impressed 
whom  had 
he  other  ten 


?FMAN. 


lith  that  he 
ghkeepsie ; 
the  28th  of 
liam  Kelly, 
passage,  in 
id  |aken  on 
r,  and  com- 

that  \  ciScl 
write  to  his 

Ht  further 


sti^h.  that  after  he  had  heard  of  the  war,  Inresclf  and 
two  other  impressed  American  seamen,  who  were  on 
board  the  Ptacock,  went  aft  to  the  captain,  and 
claimed  to  be  considered  as  American  prisoners  of 
war,  and  refused  to  do  duty  any  longer.  They  were 
ordered  off  the  quarter  deck,  and  the  captain  called 
for  the  master  at  arms,  and  ordered  us  to  be  put  m 
irons',  we  were  then  kept  in  irons  about  twenty  tour 
hours,  when  we  were  taken  out,  brought  to  the  gang- 
way, stripped  of  our  clothes,  tied  ami  whipped,  each 
one  dozen  and  a  half  lashes,  and  put  to  duty. 

He  further  saith  that  he  was  kept  on  board  the  I  ea- 
cock,  and  did  duty,  till  th<;  action  with  the  Horiietj 
after  the  Hornet  hoisted  American  colors,  he  and  the 
•ther  impressed  Americans  again  went  to  the  captam 
of  the  Peacock,  asked  to  be  sent  below,  said  it  was 
an  American  ship,  and  that  they  did  not  wish  to  fight 
against  their  country.  The  captain  ordered  us  to  our 
quarters;  called  midshipman  Stone  to  do  his  duty  ; 
and  if  we  did  not  do  our  duty,  to  blow  our  brains 
out  •  "  aye  aye!"  was  answered  by  Stone,  who  then 
held  a  pistol  at  my  head,  and  ordered  us  to  our  places. 
We  then  continued  at  our  pieces,  and  were  compelled 
to  fight  uU  the  Peacock  struck  :  and  we  were  liberated 
after  an  impressment  of  about  t^vo  years  and  eight 

months. 

his 
RICHARD  X.TMOMPSON. 

mark 
Poughkee|Miie,  April  17,  1813. 

Read  over  and  signed  -^^^^  ^^--^VrUIS. 

JOHN  S.  FRK.AR, 


Dutchess  County,  ss. 
James  Tompkins,  being  sworn,  saith,  that  he  is 
»pa^ive  of  Ulster  county,  opposite  Poughkecpici 


# 


M 


I 


mj',! 


1< 


,1 


■'K.r 


7<i 

that  he  sailed  out  of  New  Yoik  in  tlie  month  of 
April,  1812,  ill  the  ship  Minerva,  bound  to  IrelisJid; 
thiit  on  her  homeward  bound  passage,  in  July  afttr, 
this  deponent,  with  three  odier  American  seamen, 
Samuel  Davis,  Willijm  Young,  and  John  Brown, 
were  impressed  and  taken  on  board  of  the  British  ship 
Actcon,  David  Smith,  captain.  We  vere  taken  en 
Saturday  evening;  on  Monday  morning  vve  were 
brought  to  the  gangway  and  informed  we  must  enter 
on  board  tlie  sliip  and  live  as  other  gearnen»  or  we 
should  live  on  o;«t  meal  and  water  and  receive  fivu 
dozen  lashes.  This  deponent  says,  himself  and  the 
other  three  impressed  with  him,  did  refuse  to  enterj 
and  each  of  their  were  then  whipi)td  five  dozen  lashes. 
On  Wcdnealay  following,  we  were  again  all  brought 
up  and  had  the  same  offer  made  to  us  to  enter,  v.  hich 
we  refused,  and  we  were  again  whipped  four  dozen 
Jashes  each.  On  Saturday  after,  the  like  ( fFer  was 
made  tq  us,  and  on  our  refusal  we  were  again  whip- 
ped  three  dozer,  lashes  each.  On  Monday  following, 
still  refusinrj  to  c  ter,  we  were  again  whipj^ed  two 
dozen  ci>o!i.  C  Wednesday  following  we  were 
again  whijjped  'c  dozer  each,  and  ordered  to  be 
taken  beltw,  a»  :  put  in  uons  till  we  did  enter ;  -nd 
the  captain  saiti  He  would  bunish  the  damti'd  Tankee 
yascnh  till  they  did  enter.  VVe  were  tSrn  put  in  irons 
anr  Uid  in  irons  three  months.  During  the  time  of 
q«r  impressment  the  ship  had  an  action  and  captured 
a  French  ship.  Before  this  action  we  were  taken  oi-t 
of  irons  and  asked  to  fight,  but  we  refustd  ;  and  after 
the  action  we  were  Rgain  irontd,  where  we  remained 
till  the  ship  arrived  at  London.  After  atrixing  there 
we  first  heard  cf  the  war  with  America  ai  d  that  the 
Guerrier  was  taken  This  deponent  took  his  shirt, 
Satpucl  Davis  and  William  Young  took  their  hand- 
kerchiefs,  made  stripes  and  stars'  lor  the  American 
colors,  and  hung  it  over  a  gun,  and  gave  three  cheers 
for  the  victory.  The  next  morning  at  six  o'qlock  we 
were  brought  up  and  whipped  two  da?en  lashes  each 


for 

we 
cai 

an( 
th< 


wl 

w\ 
ap 
as 


11 


FWi 


e  month  ol 
to  Ii  elisnd ; 
1  July  afitr, 
:an  seamen, 
>hn  Brown, 
British  ship 
;re  taken  en 
g  we  were 
;  must  enter 
neni  or  we 
receive  five 
self  and  the 
ise  to  enter, 
ozen  lashes. 
I  all  brought 
:nter,  v.hich  . 

four  dozen 

ke  { ffer  was 

again  whip. 

ly  following, 

hipij«ed  two 

ig  we    were 

(lend  to  be 

enter ;  -nd 

mii'd  Tankee 

put  in  irons 

the  time  of 

nd  captured 

re  taken  out 

1 ;  and  after 

-e  remained 

•riving  there 

at  d  that  the 

ik  his  shirt, 

their  hand- 

?  Ameriean 

three  cheers 

s  o'clock  we 

lushes  each 


V7 

for  huzzaing  for  the  Yankey  flag.  Shortly  after  this, 
we  were  all  released  by  the  assistance  of  the  Ameri- 
can consul  and  captain  Hall,  who  knew  us. 

This  deponent  lurther  saith,  that  all  had  protections, 
and  showed  them,  and  chimed  to  be  Americans  at 
the  time  they  were  impressed. 

JAMES  TOMPKINS. 

Sworn  befove  me  this  17th  day  of  April,  1813,  at 
which  time  the  snid  James  Tompkins  shewed  me  his 
wrists,  which  at  his  request  1  examined,  and  there 
appeared  to  be  marks  on  both  of  them,  occasionetj, 
as  I  suppose,  from  his  having  been  in  irons. 

Wm.  w.  bogardus, 

Justice  of  the  Peace, 


'^i. 


"•W 


No.  5. 

VioliMion  ofjlags  of  truce. 


MONTREAL  PRISqM,  6Ui  May,  18lo, 

SIR, 

I  am  an  unrortunatc  American  who  was  taken  by 
the  Indians  on  my  \vay  to  Maiden,  with  a  flag  of  truce 
from  general  Harrison,  on  the  night  of  the  31st  of 
January,  and  after  a  variety  of  indignities,  too  tedious 
to  mention,  I  was  brought  here  and  put  into  the  dun- 
geon for  33  days,  and  have  been  up  on  the  center 
floor  a  w«ek.  I  wish  to  see  you,  if  possible,  and  have 
your  advice,  &c.  &c. 

In  haste,  yours,  &c. 

SAMl.  M'KEEHAN, 

Surfreons^  mate  2dregt.  2d  brigade  Ohio  milititti 

Lieul.  Dudley. 


MONTREAL  PRISpN,  9th  May  1813. 
SIR, 

Yesterday  sir  George*s  aid  came  and  informed 
me  that  the  nature  of  my  confinenient  had  been  con- 
trary to  bis  orders,  and  colonel  Lethbridge  was  re- 
quired  to  restore  me  my  liberty.  I  was  also  informed, 
that  you  and  myself  would  probably,  in  a  few  days 
be  sent  to  the  Unired  States.  Colonel  Letlibridge 
told  me  he  would  send  for  me  at  3  o'clock  and  take 
my  parole.  In  less  than  one  hour,  major  Shackleton 
called  and  said  the  governor,  after  more  mature  con- 
sideration,  had  concluded  he  could  not  le»^^  me  have 
my  liberty  until  he  would  hear  from  general  Proctor. 


11.1 


.:/'S,- 


79 


May,  I8L3. 

/as  taken  by 
lag  of  truce 
the  31st  of 
too  tedious 
ito  the  dun. 
J  the  cenler 
le,  and  have 


HAN. 

)hio  miiititti 


May  1813. 

id  informed 
d  been  con- 
clge  was  re- 
,o  informed, 
a  few  days 
Leilibridge 
:k  and  take 
Shackleton 
nature  con. 
le»  me  have 
ral  Proctor. 


Two  or  three  days  after  my  imprisonment,  major 
Shackleton  told  me  that  general  Proctor  had  promis. 
cd,  with  the  next  despatches,  to  send  on  all  the  pa- 
pers relating  to  my  case  and  that  then  I  would  have 
a  hearing. 

So  you  may  see  punishment  by  torture  is  not  yet 
abolished.  If  they  had  drove  a  dagger  through  my 
heart  my  punishment  would  have  Ijieen  much  less  and 
their  compassion  much  greater. 

Yours,  &c. 

SAMUEL  M'KEEHAN. 

Major  SKackleton  also  told  me  that  colonel  Baynes 
was  unauthorized  to  tell  me  what  he  did. 


S.  M'K. 


Lieut.  Dudley. 


SIR, 


MONTREAL  COAL,  May  13,  1^1^. 


I  am  rgq^sted  by  doctor  M'Keehan  to  inform 
you  of  his  present  unpleasant  situation.  He  is  at  this 
time  so  unwe^  as  to  be  confined  to  his  bed,  and  has 
no  chance  of  getting  anf  thing  to  make  him  com- 
fortable. No  peraoii,^ttends  here  to  examine  our 
situation,  neither  have  we  a  chance  to  send  out  after 
any  necessaries  that  we  want. 

I  am  confident  the  doctor's  case  requires  iome 
very  speedy  aid,  particularly  as  it  respects  hi?  con- 
fined sit)iitiion,  lodging-,  he. 

Youa-s,  respectfully, 

GEO.  H.  ROGERS, 

I/,  it.  Army. 

Lieut.  Dudlby 


LliSI 


.'!'> 


80 

DOCTOH  M'KEEIIAN'3  NARRATIVE, 

Oi  the  3 1st  of  January  last,  I  was  ordered  Uy  ge- 
neral Harrison  to  proceed  to  the  river  Raisin,  with  a 
fl.ig  of  truce,  and  Irom  thence  to  Maiden,  if  not  slop- 
ped by  the  Indians.  We  arrived  at  the  foot  of  the 
rapids  of  the  Miami  at  daik,  and  not  frndtnga  com. 
pan^'  of  rangers  as  expected,  wc  encamped  in  a  cave, 
the  horse  and  cariole  before  the  door,  and  the  flag 
standing  by  them.  About  midnight  the  Indians  fired 
in  upon  us,  killed  Mr.  Ltmont,  wounded  myself  in 
the  foot,  and  made  us  piisoners.  After  despatching 
Mr.  Lcmont  with  the  tomahawk,  scalping  and  strip- 
ping him,  they  seized  my  horse,  harness,  great-coat, 
blankets,  and  other  clothing,  and  one  hundred  dol- 
lars  in  gold,  which  the  general  had  sent  to  procure 
necessaries  for  the  wounded  of  general  Winchester's 

armv. 

'I'hat  night  I  was  made  to  walk  more  than  20  miles, 
to  where  captain  hlliot  was  stationed  with  a  party  of 
Indians.  The  captain  treated  me  politely,  and  sent 
me  to  colonel  Proctor.  I  was  scarcely  seated  before 
the  colom  I  began  to  exclaim  against  gen.  Harrison; 
r.aid  he  had  been  used  to  fight  Indians  and  not  Bri 
tish  ;  found  fault  with  my  instructic^s,  and  said  the 
flag  was  only  a  pretext  to  cover  a  bad  design  I  re- 
butted  his  insinuations  with  indignation,  which  I  be- 
lieve has  been  the  rausc  of  all  my  troubles  since.  I 
was  not  recognised  in  my  oflicial  character  until  the 
5th  February,  when  I  was  informed  by  Proctor's  aid, 
that  I  should  attend  on  the  wounded  with  Dr.  Bower, 
and  that  '  would  l)e  sent  to  the  United  States,  but 
by  a  different  route  from  that  which  I  came-  Dr. 
Bovver  in  a  few  days  was  sent  home  and  I  detained. 

On  the  2d  of  March  I  was  arrested  by  order  of  co- 
lonel '^  octor,  and  a.ccused  of  carrying  on  a  private 
correspondence.  On  the  8th,  without  having  any 
trial,  ordered  to  Montreal,  and  hurried  on  from  Fort 
George,  night  and  day,  although  thinly  clctiied,  and 
the  weather  very  cold.     From  Kingston  to  Prescott, 


J_ 


mm" 


red  by  gt- 
sin,  with  a 
if  not  stop- 
foot  of  the 
iuga  com. 
1  in  a  cave, 
nd  the  flag 
idians  fin  d 

I  myself  in 
lespatching 
5  and  strip- 
great- coat, 

indred  dol- 
to  procure 
Winchester's 

II  20  miles, 
[i  a  party  of 
y,  and  sent 
■atcd  before 
,  Harrison  ; 
md  not  Bri 
ind  said  the 
iign  I  re- 
ivhich  I  be- 
es since.  I 
ter  until  the 
•octor's  aid, 
Dr.  Bower, 
States,  but 
?ame-     DK 

1  detained, 
order  of  co- 
r.  a  private 

having  any 
n  from  Fort 
;lcthed,  and 
to  Prescott, 


81 


1  wati  mdde  to  eat  with  the  ofllctra'  scivaius..  ilu^ 
course  of  torture  being  finished  on  the  28th,  when  I 
arrived  in  Montreal,  and  witliolit  being  asked  any 
questions  or  suffered  to  ask  any  myself,  I  was  put  into 
thedungeon,  eii;ht  or  ten  feet  htlow  the  surfice  of  the 
groiHid,  where  I  had  neither  bed  nor  bedding,  chair, 
bench,  or  slool  ;  denied  pen,  ink,  or  paper,  or  even 
the  use  of  a  book,  for  two  weeks.  The  only  current 
of  air  that  passed  through  my  apartment,  came 
through  the  bowels  of  the  privy  !  Here  I  was  lo-'pt 
33  days,  when  I  was,  to  my  great  joy,  put  up  widi  the 
American  prisoners,  and  wiih  them  permitted  to  re- 
main till  last  Monday,  when  I  was  liberated  by  the 
intercession  of  lieutenant  Dudley,  of  the  navy.  Col. 
Baynes,  aid  to  the  governor,  told  me  the  outrage 
\\hich  had  been  committed  on  my  person  was  con- 
tiiiry  to  his  orders. 

I  left  14  American  prisoners  in  jail,  viz.  George 
H.  Rodgers,  U.  States'  army  ;  Wrn.  Hollenback, 
Onis  Hooker,  Philaster  Jones,  Harry  Jones,  Lewis 
Minor,  Zt-bina  Conkey,  Phiny  Conkev,  Canton  ; 
Seth  Barnes,  Camden  ;  Jared  VViiheril,  John  Camp, 
btll,  Schoharie  ;  Major  Watson,  Ogdensburg;  Alex- 
under  M'Gregor,  Balston ;  who  weie  kept  in  close 
confinement,  notwithstanding  col.  Lethbridge  and 
major  Shackleton  had  pledged  tht  ir  words  to  captain 
Conkey,  before  he  left  Montreal  for  Quebec,  that 
they  should  have  the  liberty  of  the  town  during  the 
day.  But  the  captain  was  scarcely  gone,  when  the 
jdcdge  was  either  forgotten  or  disregarded.  The 
prisoners  now  are  not  permitted  to  procure  such 
things  as  their  small  stock  of  money  would  provide. 
Sometimes  they  are  half  a  day  without  water,  and  two 
or  three  days  without  wood ;  and  if  they  complain 
they  are  cursed  and  abused  by  the  jailor,  and  told 
they  are  only  allowed  a  quart  of  water  in  the  day.  I 
am  requested  io  represeut  their  situation  to  general 
Dearborn,  which  \  intend  to  do  as  soon  asi-I  mrr'iwtA 
S^icket's  Harbor, 

11 


82 


III 


m 


This  is  a  sketch  of  the  indignities  I  have  had  to 
put  up  with  since  the  last  of  January. 
I  am  yours,  &c. 

SAMUliL  M'KEEHAN, 

Surgeon's  mate  2d  regt.  Ohio  Militia. 

Albany,  May  24th,  1813. 


To  his  Excellency  major  general  Uearborn. 

SIR, 

Without  introduction  or  apology,  I  beg  leave  to 
state  to  your  excellency,  that  on  the  31st  of  January 
last  I  was  ordered  by  general  Harrison  to  proceed  to 
the  river  Haisin  with  a  flag  of  truce.     I  was  required 
in  my  instructions,  if  I  met  no  British  oflicer  at  that 
place,  to  proceed  to  Maiden  (if  too  great  danger  did 
not  appear  from  the  savages).     The  same  evening, 
thirty-three  miles  from  the  rivir  Raisin,  the  Indians 
fired  upon  us  and  killed  Mr.  La  Mont,  (one  of  my 
attendants)  wounded  myself  in  the  foot,  then  con- 
veyed me  to  captain  Elliot,  who  took  me  to  the  river 
Riisin,  and  from  thence  sent  me  to  general  Pri.  tor, 
at  head  quarters,  in  Sandwich,  who  swore,  by  God, 
that  the  flag  and  papers  which  I  gave  him  was  only  a 
pretence  to  cover  a  dishonorable  service.     I  rebutted 
ins  insinuations  as  moderately  as  my  indignant  feel- 
ings would  permit.     General  Proctor  made  several 
Sservations  on  general  Harrison's  abilities  as  a  com- 
V  under;  said  he  was  used  to  fight  Indians,  but  not 
British  troops,  &t.  &c.c.     He  kept  my  instructions ; 
did  not  even  inform  the  senior  officer,  ensign  Baker, 
of  the  American  prisoners,  that  he  had  a   letter  for 
him.     I  was  ordered  to  a  tavern  under  the  care  of  a 
French  sergeant.     I  waited  till  the  4th  of  February 
bcihre  I  wro'e  to  general  Proctor,  demanding  in  what 
cbpracter  I  was  considered  ;  how  long  I  would  be 
cktainod,  and  the  cau'5c  "^f  my  detention. 


ll^J,  'W 


lave  had  to 


to  Militia. 


n. 

jcg  leave  to 
of  January 
proceed  to 
■as  required 
iicer  at  that 
danger  did 
ue  evening, 
the  Indians 
(one  of  my 
,  then  con- 
to  the  river 
ral  PrL  tor, 
'e,  by  God, 
I  was  only  a 
I  rebutted 
ignant  feel- 
ade  several 
;s  as  a  com- 
ms,  but  not 
nstructions ; 
sign  Baker, 
a  letter  for 
he  care  of  a 
3f  February 
ling  in  what 
I  would  be 


83 


The  next  day  the  general's  aid  informed  me  I  was 
recognized  as  surgeon's  mate,  and  would  attend  with 
doctor  Brown  on  the  American  wounded  prisoners, 
Onv^e  12th,  I  received  a  letter  from  general  Proctor, 
in  answer  to  one  I  had  written  to  him  the  day  before, 
of  which  the  following  is  a  copy  : 


SIR, 


SANDWICH,  12th  February  1813, 


In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  11th  instant,  I  am 
directed  by  colonel  Proctor,  commanding,  to  observe, 
that  you  were  sent  in  for  the  purpose  of  attending  on 
the  sick  and  wounded  of  general  Winchester's  army, 
for  which  purpose  you  are  now  detained ;  and  beg 
leave  further  to  observe,  that  in  the  execution  of  your 
duty  you  will  render  a  most  important  service  to  your 
country. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be. 
Sir, 
Your  humble  and  most  qbedient  servant> 

A.  W.  M'LEAIN,  A.  p.  C. 

I  continued  to  at  <^«-c^  t^e  wounded  until  the  2d  of 
March,  when  A.  D.  C.  iv/  Leain  informed  rne  that  1 
was  accused  of  carrying  on  a  private  correspondence, 
and  that  he  was  ordered  to  take  me  into  custody  and 
secure  my  papers ;  which  was  accordirtgly  dor.s  in 
the  most  uncivil  manner.  On  the  '^u.  of  Marcii,  I 
was  taken  by  a  guard  to  Fort  GeArge,  v.it*  out  trial  or 
hearing,  although  I  had  written  to  gewf  ^ii  Procter 
repeatedly,  requesting  an  investigation,  to  which  I 
received  no  answer  of  any  kiud.  From  Fort  George 
I  was  sent  to  Montreal,  and  hurried  on  night  and  day, 
although  thinly  clothed  (having  been  robbed  and 
stripped  by  the  Indians)  and  the  weather  very  cold. 
On  my  arrival  at  Montreal,  I  was,  without  being  ask- 
ed any  questions  or  permitted  to  ask  any  myself,  put 
into  a  dungeon  eight  or  ten  feet  below  the  surface  of 


84 


ihc  ground,  in  dwik  and  solitary  Confinement,  and 
thtre  ktpt  33  days,  after  which  lime  I  was  piu  np 
with  ihe  American  piisf)ner5.  A  few  days  n|jff r  mv 
elevation,  lieutenuni  Dudley  became  aci^uainted  wiili 
my  jfituaiion,  and  made  such  representations  to  go- 
vernor Prcvost  as  induced  his  excellency  to  send  his 
aid,  colonel  Baynes,  v  ho  said  he  was  directed  by  the 
governor  to  inform  me  that  the  outrage  which  had 
been  committed  on  my  persf)n  was  contrary  to  his 
orders,  and  told  colonel  Leihbridge  to  take  my  parole 
and  liberate  me  immediately.  The  colonel  no'  hav- 
ing  materials  for  writing  at  hand,  said  he  would  send 
for  me  at  3  o'clock.  In  less  than  one  hour,  ihe  town 
major  came  and  informed  me,  that  the  governor,  on 
more  mature  consideration,  thought  he  could  not 
liberate  me  ui^il  he  got  despatches  from  general 
t'roctor.  On  the  17ih  May,  8  or  10  days  afUr,  I 
was  taken  from  prison,  and,  in  company  uith  liente- 
naftt  Dudley,  sent  to  the  United  States.  I  may  here 
observe,  that  the  apartment  in  which  I  was  confined 
did  not  contain  either  chair,  bench  or  stool,  or  bed., 
ding  whatever,  for  the  space  of  two  weeks.  Fresh 
JDcef  was  furnished,  but  no  salt.  I  was  denied  pen, 
ink  and  paper,  and  treated  uniformly  with  the  utmost 
contempt  by  the  sergeant,  whom  1  had  the  honor  of 
seeing  once  every  day  for  a  few  minutes.  By  the 
request  of  fourteen  American  prisoners,  now  in  Mon- 
trtaljail,  whose  names  are  hereunto  annexed,  I  beg 
leave  to  state  to  youi  excellency,  that  they  are  kept  in 
close  confinemtnt,  sometimes  half  a  day  without  wa- 
ter,  and  frequently  two  or  three  days  without  wood  to 
cook  »vith  }  and  when  tjiey  complained  the  jailor's 
curses  were  freely  lavished  upon  thtm.  They  have 
not  the  privilege  of  procuring  some  little  necessaries, 
which  the  benevolence  of  some  humane  persons  ena- 
bltd  them  to  do  by  giving  them  a  little  money,  Sir 
George  Prevost  has  told  Ihem  that  their  confinemeiit 
is  owing  to  il)c  Ud  faith  of  iluir  own  governnunt, 
%ic. 


I 

ledt 
rag« 
soni 
refe 
mat 
was 
seni 
ny  ( 
spo 


Nia 


Ge 

Wi 
Set 
Ga 
Phi 
Da 
Jar 


as 


mt-nt,  and 

as  piU  n() 
s  njjer  mv 
intt-d  witi) 
ons  to  f»o- 
r>  send  his 
led  by  the 
which  had 
■ary  to  his 
my  parole 
?l  no'  hav- 
vould  send 
,  die  town 
vernor,  on 
could  not 
m  ffeneral 
ys  aller,  I 
ith  Ueiite- 
'.  may  here 
is  confined 
I,  or  bed- 
is.  Fresh 
enied  pen, 
the  utmost 
:  honor  of 
.  By  the 
w  in  Mon. 
ced,  I  beg 
ire  kept  in 
ithout  wa- 
ut  wood  to 
he  jailor's 
Vhcy  have 
eeessaries, 
Tsons  ena- 
iiit-y.  Sir 
jnfinemeiit 
)veinn)cnt, 


I  would  have  stated  to  your  excellency  the  know- 
ledge  I  had,  through  the  report  of  others,  of  the  out- 
rages  and  cruelties  exercise''  on  the  American  pri- 
soners taken  at  general  Wi?-i  ester's  defeat,  but  must 
refer  your  excellency  to  Mr.  Ruland,  who  had  a  com- 
mand in  the  Michigan  militia  last  summer,  and  who 
was,  after  having  been  dispostd  of  all  his  property, 
sent  to  Fort  George  with  me,  who  no  doubt  had  ma- 
ny opportunities  of  hearing  such  things  triumphantly 
spoken  of  among  British  officers  and  subjects. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Your  excellency's  most  humble 
And  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  SAMUKL  M'KKEHAN, 

Burgeoti's  mate  2d  rcgt.  Ohio  iiulltia. 

Niagara  Coffee  House,  ^ 

June  4,  1813. 

List  of  per»onsi  left  in  Montreal  jail. 


Geo.  H.  Rogers, 

U.  S.  army, 
Wm.  Hollenback, 
Seth  Burns, 
Gains  Hooker, 
Philastei-  Jones, 
Danny  Jones, 
Jared  Witherall, 


Major  Watson, 
Alexr.  M'Gregor, 
Lewis  Minor, 
John  Camplx^ll, 
Zebina  Conkcy, 
Pliny  Conkey, 
David  Johnston. 


No.  (i. 

Ransom  of  American  prisoners  from  Indtans 
in  the  British  service. 


Exiract  of  a  letter  from  Mr  IVoodiaard  to  the  Se- 
cretary of  State, 

"  ALBANY,  March  S«,  li.lS. 

*'  A  few  days  previous  to  the  thirty-first  of  January, 
1813,  I  transmitted  some  letters  addressrl  to  the 
friends  and  families  of  a  few  of  the  prisoner:*  wi.  m 
we  had  been  able  to  ransom  out  of  the  hands  of  the 
savages. 

"  On  the  thirty-first  of  January,  I  addressed  you  a 
letter  covering  similar  information  for  twelve  other 
families." 


)m  Indians 


"dtv  the  Se- 

rchSs,  it»l3. 

St  of  January, 
ess(  1  to  the 
loners  wit  m 
hands  of  the 

Iressed  you  a 
twelve  other 


No,  7. 

Pillage  nd  destruction  of  private  property  on 
the  Chesapeake  bay,  and  in  the  neigMoring 
country. 


\. 


oud, 

HI  the 

d  Pop- 

jme  t«i- 


William  Sears,  of  Talbot  county,  In  M 
states,  That  about  the  day  of  April 

the  British  squadron,  commanded,  as  he 
by  admiral  V\  arren,  lay  about  Sharp's  I 
Cf""*apeak'  Bay,  he  being  on  the  island, 
lar  hi  !id,  his  place  of  residence,  observe 
ders  and  barges  coming  off  from  the  squadron  in  a 
direction  owards  the  said  island.  The  relator  was 
then  in  rt  of  removing  his  furniture  and  othix- 

propert  >  the  island,  and  hastened  therein  from 

seeing  uk  ^parent  approach  of  the  enemy  ;  but  the 
said  tenders  and  barges  whilst  this  relator  was  oros- 
sing  to  the  main  with  his  scows  and  batteaux  laden 
with  his  property,  and  in  tow  of  his  two  schooricrs, 
appeared  suddenly  to  put  back  to  their  ships.  The 
relator  afterwards,  in  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  the 
same  day  made  two  other  trips  to  the  island  and  suc- 
ceeded in  getting  off  all  his  bacon.  On  the  succeed- 
;-<>  day,  as  this  relator  thinks  it  was,  he  again  went 
n-  the  island  arul  got  off  forty  or  fil'iy  barrels  of  his 
corn  and  ^me  othtr  articles,  without  any  interruption 
from  the  enemy.  The  relator  having,  in  his  first 
trip,  got  off  hjii  faihily  and  sk«ves,  he  now  watched 
the  movements  of  the  enemy  fro  a  his  f;\rm  on  the 
main.     On  Sunday  morning  th  he  saw  two  ttn- 

ders  come  to  at  Poplar  Island  a  <i  go  ashore  in  barges, 
and  after  some  length  of  time  he  saw  them  depart 
from  the  island.  The  relator  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
test  mentioned  day,  in  company  with  several  of  his 
neighbors,  went  to  see  what  the  enemy  had  done  on 


8S 

ihe  island,  and  found  that  they  hud  injured  iioihuig. 
nor  taken  any  thinjj  away  except  sjine  cyder  from  the 
ocllivr  TIk-  relator  then  took  dIF  vviih  him  as  many 
of  his  hogs  and  other  articles  as  he  could,  and  was 
hurried  off  by  seeing  the  enemy  put  off  from  the 
squadron  with  several  barges  in  tow  of  their  tenders. 
Tne  enemy,  on  that  evening,  took  possession  of  the 
island,  and  remained  that  night  and  a  part  of  the  next 
cky,  as  well  as  this  relator  recollects  ;  and,  on  the  last 
mentioned  day,  left  the  island  and  followed  the  squad- 
ron, which  in  the  mean  time  had  moved  up  the  bay. 
The  relator  seeing  this,  on  the  next  or  the  second  day 
after,  again  went  on  the  island,  and  there  found  that 
tlic  enemy  had  taken  and  killed  about  thirty  head  of 
black  cattle,  eighty-six  head  of  old  sheep  and  between 
twenty  and  thirty  lambs,  that  they  had  killed  three 
hundred  breeding  sows  in  their  beds,  whose  pigs 
were  found  dtad;  and  that  they  had  taken  off  almost 
oil  his  poultry,  all  he  supposes  they  could  catch. 
I'rom  his  house  (where  he  had  Mi  some  of  his  worst 
liirinturc)  they  took  off  an  old  looking  glass  worth 
about  four  dollars,  and  some  news-papers  in  a  file. 
They  broke  several  lock  ,  and  one  door,  and  threw 
many  things  about  the  house.  In  a  house  on  the 
island  w  hich  had  been  occupied  by  James  Sears,  they 
broke  his  desk  to  pieces  and  threw  about  his  furni- 
ture and  other  things;  but  .the  relator  does  not  now 
recqllcct  that  any  thing  was  taken  away. 

In  tesiiniony  whereof,  die  said  William  Sears  haUi 
hereunto  set  his  hand  this22d  <lay  ot  June,  1813. 

WILLIAM  SEARS. 


fev 


Maryland,         ? 
Talbot  county,  5  '**• 

Be  it  remembered,  that  on  this22d  day  of  June, 
1813,  William  Sears,  esq.  of  Talbot  county,  person- 
ally  ap^)ears  before  me,  the  subscriber,  one  of  the 


;ydi.*r  from  the 
him  as  many 
ukl,  and  wan 
off  from  the 
their  lenders, 
session  of  the 
jrt  of  the  next 
id,  on  the  last 
icd  the sc]iiad- 
d  up  the  bay. 
he  second  day 
ere  found  tliat 
thirty  head  of 
p  and  between 
id  killed  three 
s,  whose  pigs 
ken  off  almost 
contd  catch, 
le  of  his  worst 
g  glass  worth 
iipers  in  a  file, 
or,  and  threw 
house  on  the 
les  Sears,  they 
)out  his  furni- 
does  not  now 

iam  Sears  hath 
ot  June,  1813. 

^  SEARS. 


d  day  of  June, 
ounty,  person, 
er,  one  of  the 


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»*P" 


89 

justices  of  the  peace  of  the  state  of  Maryland,  in  and 
for  Talbot  county,  duly  commissioned  and  qualified, 
and  made  oath  on  the  holy  evangelists,  that  the  state- 
fnent  of  facts  herein  contained  is  substantially  truey 
to  the  best  of  his  knowlt-d^e,  recollection  and  belief. 

Sworn  before  me, 

PETF.R  DKNNY. 


t6  i^it 


State  of  Mdryland, 
TallK)^  county, 

I  hereby  cfertWy,  that  Peter  Denny,  esq.  before 
whom  the  aljove  affidavit  appears  to  have  been  made, 
and  who  has  thereto  subscribed  his  name,  was  at  the 
time  olf  taking  and  signing  the  saiiie,  and  still  is,  one 
of  the  state  of  Maryland's  jilstices  of  the  peace,  iil 
and  for  the  county  aforcsuid,  duly  commissioned  and 
qualified. 

In  testimony  vtiliereof,  t  have  hereto  s6t  my  hand 
and  affixed  the  seal  of  my  office,  this  twenty • 
fourth  day  of  June,  Anno  Domini  1813. 

(t.s)  JACOB  LOOCKKRMAN, 

Cierk  of  Talbot  county  court. 


Coecil  bounty,  state  of  Maryland. 

Personally  appeared  before  nic,  the  subscriber, 
one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  for  the  county  and 
state  aforesaid,  Frisby  Henderson,  and  made  oath  on 
the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  on  the 
29ch  day  of  April,  1813,  about  seven  o'clock  a.  m.  a 
considerable  British  force,  distributed  into  thirteen 
bargts,  commenced  a  hostile  attack  on  a  landing  call* 
ed  Frenchtown,  the  property  of  this  deponent,  in  the 
coimty  aforesaid  ;  that  some  days  previous  thereto, 
a  battery  for  five  guns  had  been  commenced  on  the 
wharf,  but  wa^  in  ati  unfinitshed  st^te ;  thdt  on  the, 

12 


90 


approach  of  the  Briiish  force  eight  or  ten  men  col- 
kcttcl  and  commenced  firing  from  the  battery,  and 
stopped  the  advance  of  the  barges  for  some  time.  The 
atiinuniiiion  being  expended,  the  barges  then  came 
on  and  a  firing  from  them  commenced  of  cannon 
shot  at  the  battery  and  also  at  the  dwelling  houses  in 
Frenclitown,  The  Briush  then  landed  oh  the  wharf 
and  immediately  set  fire  to  a  nev/  store  house  on  the 
wharf,  which  at  that  time  contained  nothing  but  a 
large  quantiiy  of  oats,'  the  property  of  this  deponent, 
and  also  a  fishery  adjoining  the  wharf  was  set  on  fire 
at  the  same  time  ;  after  burning  the  said  store  house 
and  fishery,  a  force  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
marines  was  marched  from  the  wharf  through  French- 
town  and  up  the  river  shore  to  the  dwelling  house  of 
this  deponent,  and  demanded  the  way  to  the  town  of 
lilkton ;  that  finding  the  river  must  be  crossed  .oh 
that  direction  to  get  to  KIkton,  the  whole  force  re- 
turned to  Frenchtown,  broke  open  the  upper  store 
house,  which  was  at  that  time  full  of  goods,  part  of 
which  was  the  property  of  the  United  States>  and  the 
remainder  for  different  merchants  of  Baltimore,  to  the 
amount,  probably,  of  fifty  or  sixty  thousand  dollars, 
and  plundered  and  carried  off  part  of  the  goods,  and 
set  fire  to  line  house  and  bHrnt  it  with  the  remainder 
of  the  goods.  This  deponent  saith,  that  the  two 
store  houses  and  fishery,  together  with  the  oats  and 
other  property  he  had  in  the  upper  store  house  burn- 
ed by  the  British  as  aforesaid,  he  has  sustained  a  loss 
of  about  three  thousand  dollars. 

Sworn  before  me,  the  subscribe:-,  on  this  12th  day 
of  June,  1813. 

ALEXR.  KINKEAD.  " 


Cdecil  county,  state  of  Maryland. 

t'ersonally  appeared  before  me,  the  subscriber, 
one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  for  the  county  afore- 


)r  ten  men  col- 
le  battery,  and 
ome  time.  The 
rgcs  then  came 
need  of  cannon 
ellin{»  houses  in 
;ed  oh  the  wharf 
re  house  on  the 
nothing  but  a 
if  this  deponent, 
"  was  set  on  fire 
said  store  house 
nidred  and  fifty 
through  French, 
welling  house  of 
y  to  the  town  of 
be  crossed  .on 
whole  force  re- 
the  upper  store 
goods,  part  of 
I  States^  and  the 
iahimore,  to  the 
musand  dollars, 
'  the  goods,  and 
h  the  remainder 
h,  that  the  two 
i(h  the  oats  and 
ore  house  burn- 
sustained  a  loss 

on  this  12th  day 

KINKEAD. 


the  subscriber, 
he  county  afore- 


91 

said,  Cordelia  Penington,  living  in  Frenchtown,  and 
made  oath  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty 
God,  thai  she  saw  the  British  on  the  29th  of  April, 
1813,  land  on  Uie  wharf  at  Frenchtown  and  immedi- 
ately set  fire  to  and  burnt  the  store  house  and  fishery  : 
that  on  tl>e  Briiibh  breaking  open  the  upper  store 
house ;  this  deponent  went  down  to  the  store  house 
and  solicited  the  commanding  officer  not  to  burn  the 
house,  he  replied,  thai  he  came  lor  the  pinposc  (.f 
burning  the  store  houses,  that  they  were  public  pro- 
perty; that  this  deponent  replied,  the  store  liouses 
were  private  property  and  bclonj^'td  to  her  Ijroilu  r ;  the 
officer  said  there  was  public  pio|)triy  in  it  and  should 
be  burnt,  and  ordered  the  house  aet'on  (ire  and  burnt 
it  with  all  the  goods  they  did  not  curry  away. 

Sworn  before  mt,  the  subscrilKr,  the  12ih  day  of 
June,  1813. 

ALKXR.  KINKEAU. 


Coecil  county,  state  of  Mar  '     J, 

Persotially  appeared  before  •,  the  subscriber, 
one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  for  the  ccunty  afore- 
said, Delia  Penington,  and  made  oa-h  on  the  Holy 
Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  she  saw' the  Hri- 
tjsh,  on  tlie  29ih  of  April,  1813,  landon  the  uhnrf 
at  French  town  and  immediately  set  fire  to  and  burn 
down  the  store  house  and  fishery;  that  aftt  r  the  store 
house  was  on  fire  the  marines  were  niardied  up  from, 
the  wharf,  and  at  the  time  of  the  plundering  and  burn- 
ing  the  upper  store  house  the  marines  were  formed, 
in  t-he  road  opposite  her  mother's  house  ;  the  officer 
commanding  the  marines,  who  informed  this  depo- 
nent  his  name  was  VV>  bourne,  said  their  orders  were 
to  burn  the  stage  stable  and  destroy  the  stage  coaches ; 
that  on  this  deponent's  soliciting  of  him  not  to  burn 
the  stables  and  stages,  the  officer  replied,  the  question 


I 
I 


mm 


IWI I  I'i 


99 

they  cenerally  asked  when  they  wcnl  lo  any  place 
was,  how  tiny  voted  at  the  elections.,  and  mquirtd  oi 
this  deponent  if.  her  uncle,  nieaning  Mr.  Henderson, 

voted  for  the  war.  ,  •    ,  ^  ,    ,        r 

Sworn  before  me,,  the  siubscnber,  this  12ih  day  pt 


I  do  hereby  cei^tify,  that  on  the  morning  of  the 
6th  of  May  iaht,  I  was  impressed  at  njy  house  at 
Turner's  cretk,  by  the  British  forces  as  they  passed 
up  the  river  Sassafras  to  Frederick  and  George  towns, 
and  was   forced  to  ycco^ipany  them  lo  the  above 
places.  On  our  way  up  we  were  met  by  two  mulatto 
men  in  a  batteau.     Captain  Bynfr  (the  name,  I  be- 
lieve, of  the  oflicer)  in  whose  boat  I  was,  took  a  white 
handkerchief,  fastened  it  on  his  es|)ontoon   and  was, 
about  to  eriier  the  batteau  with  the  negrots,  in  or- 
der  to  proceed  up  the  river  to  inform  the  officer  com., 
manding  there,  that  if  he  would  not  fire  upon  their 
barges  they  would  not  destroy  the  town^  when  he 
was  ordvrcd  by  the  admiral  not  to  do  so,  who  observ- 
ed, "  that  he  wgi^Ul  only  seiid  the  negroes  with  tlie 
message,  that  an  they  were  known  to  the  people  i^ 
the  fort  jiboye,  he  expected  that  they  wpuld  believe 
what  ihey  told  them."     We  were  tht«»  opposite  to 
Mr.  \Vick?'s  favijn,  which  \  think  must  be  about  a 
mile  belpw  tlie  tort,     '^he  batteau  with  the  negroes 
went  to  the  fort  as  directed  and  the  British  forces  soon 
after  followed.     I  was,  in  the  foremost  boat  and  con- 
tini^ed,  in,  said  ^ai  until  their  return  down  the  river 
after  burning  the  towns,  when  I  was  landfd  oi^  Mr. 
Witbered's  shore,  and  most  pojtitively  declare,  ihji,^ 
thpt?  Wtis  i?o  vvhite  fl;  g  ever  hoitiltd  in  her  or  any  of 
the  pther  b.o>its  tp  my  knowkdge,  nor  did  I  ever  hear 
any  of  the  Britiiijb  o^ers  or  privates  say  they  had 
ey^r  hoisted  a  flag,  or  that  on.v  ever  had  been  fired  on. 


nt  to  any  piact 

and  inqiiirt  (1  ol 

Mr.  Henderson, 

this  12ih  day  of 


morning  of  the 

at  n»y  house  at 
s  as  ihey  passed 
id  George  tow  ns, 
•m  to  the  above 
t  by  two  mulatto 
[the  name,  I  bc- 
vaa,  took  a  white 
ontoon   and  was^ 

negrot-s,  in  or- 
1  the  oflicer  com.- 
t  fire  upon  their 
'.  town,  when  he 
)  so,  who  ob^ery. 
negroes  with  the 

to  the  people  ifi 
ey  UQuld  believe 

thtu  opposite  to 
must  be  about  a 
with  the  negroes 
Iritish  forces  soon 
obt  boat  and  coQ' 
n  down  the  river 
s  landfd  oi;l  Mr. 
vely  declare,  ih^.^ 

in  her  or  any  oi" 
f>r  (lid  1.  ever  hear 
ates  say  they  had 
tad  been  firtd  on. 


m 

The  captain,  on  his  return  down  the  river  declar. 
fd.  that  "if  lie  could  catch  col.  Veazey,  who  com- 
manded  at  the  fort  above,  he  would  quarter  him  and 
.rive  me  part  of  his  quarter  for  steakes,  lor  that  the 
■fire    he  had    received   was    one  of   Washington  s 

rounds."  _  . 

I  can't  say  positively  wlwt  number  of  men  they 
lost,  as  tliey  would  only  acknowledge  five  wounded, 
h-it  think  they  have  sustained  greateV  injury. 

Given  under  my  hand  this  9th  day  of  June,  1813. 

JOHN  STAVIXY. 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before 

SAMUEL  BOYIlR* 


I  certify,  that  I  was  at  the  battery  on  PearceS 
Point  on  the  5ih  ot  May,  when  a  squadron  of  Britiv,l\ 
barges  visited  Georgetown;  that  I  had  a  full  view  ot 
all  the  barges  until  they  got  possession  of  the  battery 
on  the  Cotcil  shore,  and  that  I  saw  no  white  flag  dis- 
played from  either  of  the  barges. 
•  W.  Sl'ENCliU. 

June  9th,  18 1^. 


We,  the  undersigned,  certify,  that  on  the  6ih  of 
May  last,  at  the  time  admiral  Cockburn  with  a  con- 
siderable armed  force  attacked  and  destroyed  Fredc 
rick  and  George  towns,  on  Sassafras  river,  in  the 
state  of  Maryland,  were  in  or  near  the  breast  work 
below  Fredericktown,  under  the  command  of  colonel 
Thomas  W.  Veazey.  From  our  position,  we  had  a 
full  and  perfect  view  of  the  enemy's  hostile  armament, 


iv^-^nw——- 


•hat  indicated  or  had  the  npp«arance  of afc  oftruce 
;^j;ordu.g  to  the  establishe'd  usage  of  civJiz^d  na- 

V\V  u^dcrstnnd  a  flag  of  t.uce  to  be  a  mission  for 
a  pacific  purpose,  accon.p.ni.d  hv  n,cn  withou  a  ms 
and  unprotected  by  .  naval  or  military  force  ' 

pnc  order  mIm'"?  ^  "f  '^'  ''l'"'  '"'  '='"^^'  '•"^^  <^"'"- 

id  fl'at^  a.  d  u  '"'  V?"'^'^"'"''"  ^"^"^d  a  colour. 

t<^  Hag,  and  uas  e  .ortcd  by  not  less  than  fifteen  arm 

<cl  barges  and  fuP   of  armed  n.rn  j^m.di  Hv  in  U 
e  r  „,.d  evulently  approached  in  a  menacing  mam  e 
dnd  with  hostile  intentions  ^  ■•rtimcr 

Given  under  our  hands   this   lOih  day  of  Juae 


Jos^>ua  IVard, 
John  IF.  Ethenrnrton, 
J^da  F  Heath, 
John  V.  Price. 
Henry  R.  Coalman, 
Samuel  Djy.on, 
Joshua  Greenvjood, 
Robert  H.  Maxivell, 
'niUam  Ethcrington, 
John  Loft  is, 


John  Duff'oy, 
John  Etherington, 
Moses  N  Carson, 

his 
Hezekiah  X  DowUn, 

mark 
James  S.  Price, 
EUas  See, 
Geo.  Jieaster. 


We  saw  no  flag  of  any  description. 


Joseph  Davis, 
H^iltiam  Roberts, 
Dormer  Oakes, 

his 
Meshuk  'A  Kendrick, 
mark 
his 
John  t<  Conly, 
mark 


iiis 

Nicholas  X    T.  Franks, 

mark 
Joshua  Hajfmgton, 

his 
Nathan  X  Farro'w. 
mark 


"W 


or  followed  it, 

f  a7?o^  of  truce, 
f  civilized  na- 

L"  a  niissioii  for 
n  without  arms, 
force. 

;iosc  and  com- 
ds  ahead  of  tl>c 
irricd  a  colour, 
an  fifteen  arm. 
ii'-dlai.ly  in  its 
iiacing  manner 

(lity  of  Jiiae, 


95 

State  of  Maryland, 
Ccecil  county,  ss. 

On  the  10th  day  of  June,  Anno  Domini  1813, 
personally  appearfd  each  ;aid  every  perhon  who^c 
names  arc  stib^crihcd  to  the  loietifoin^  certificute,  be- 
fore the  subscriber,  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  the 
county  and  state  aforesaid,  ;md  made  oath  on  the 
Holy  K.vangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  the  facts 
detailed  in  the  foregoing  certificite  are  true,  to  the 
best  of  their  knowledge  and  belief. 

Sworn  before 

H.  B  PENINGTON 


<>>*■ 


'ington, 

'arson, 

is 

1  Dowlin, 

rk 

'rice. 


T.  Franks, 


I  do  hereby  certify,  tha.  I  was  at  the  brrast  w  oik 
near  Frederick  town  on  the  6ih  ultimo,  Avhen  the 
British  came  up  the  river  m  their  barges,  and  that  I 
did  not  see  a  flag  of  truce,  nor  do  I  believe  that  the 
commanding  officer  at  the  breast  xvork  knew  or  sup- 
posed there  was  any  such  thing  in  or  among  the 
barges.  As  witness  mv  hand  this  twelfth  day  of  June, 
1813. 

1\MES  scan  LAN. 

Sworn  to  before  the  snbscrit,.r  a  justice  of 
the  peace  for  CcEcil  oimty,  and  statt-  of  Maryland, 
the  day  and  vear  above  mentioned. 

H    B    PENINGTON. 


"Jtigton, 


Uirrotu. 


The  deposition  of  Richard  Barnab> ,  of  Frederick- 
town,  in  Ccficil  county,  Maryland,  aged  about  forty- 
eight  years,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith, 


tlwi  on  the  morning  ol'  the  6th  bf  May,  after  the  en- 
gagement took  place  at  the  fort  below  this  town,  that 
he  went  a  short  distance  out  of  town  to  see  some  fe- 
males to  a  place  of  safety,  and  on  his  return  he  met 
about  twenty  of  the  British  troops  armed,  commanded 
by  an  officer,  who  obirfjrved  on  meeting  of  hilrti,  here 
is  one  of  the  damned  rascals  from  the  fort,  and  then 
enquired  where  the  damned  rascals  which  were  at  the 
fort  hud  run  to,  and  ordered  him  to  go  with  him  and 
shew  iliem  to  him ;  the  deponent  observing  he  did 
not  know  where  they  wt  re,  the  officer  swore  he  was 
a  liar,  and  drew  his  sword  and  threatened  to  kill  him, 
one  of  the  men  presented  a  bayonet  and  another  drew 
a  dirk  and  swore  if  he  did  not  go  he  would  run  it 
through  him  ;  he  afterwards  went  with  them  as  far 
as  captain  Francis  B.  Chandler's  house,  at  which 
time  Francis  B.  Chandler  was  going  towards  his 
house,  and  on  their  hearing  some  person  call  him 
capuiin,  the  officer  ordered  his  men  to  take  him  ;  the 
admiral  coming  up  at  the  time,  inquired  the  reason 
that  house  was  not  on  fire.  Afterwards  this  depo- 
nent returned  to  his  own  house  with  the  admiral  and 
requested  of  him  not  to  have  it  set  on  fire  ;  the  ad- 
hjiral  promised  it  should  not  be  burnt  if  he  would 
furnish  him  with  thirty  fowls,  which  he  promised  he 
would  do ;  he  furnished  them  with  about  thirlren 
fowls ;  thev  then  took  away  and  destroyed  nearly  the 
whole  of  his  furniture  which  was  in  the  house,  and 
his  provisions,  and  left  him. 

Given  under  my  hand  this  12ih  June,  1813. 
'  RICHARD  BARNABY. 


Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before   nie,  a  justice  of 
the  peaLC  li)r  C  oecil  county,  the  day  and  year  above 

""""'•  a  U.  PKNINGTON. 


97 


ay,  after  the  cn- 
w  this  town,  that 
I  to  see  some  fe- 
is  return  he  met 
ned,  commanded 
ing  of  hrm,  here 
le  fort,  and  then 
vhich  were  at  the 
^o  with  him  and 
observing  he  did 
er  swore  he  was 
tened  to  kill  him, 
and  another  drew 
he  would  run  it 
with  them  as  far 
house,  at  which 
ling  towards  his 
person  call  him 
to  take  him  ;  the 
quired  the  reason 
wards  this  depo- 
h  the  admiral  and 
on  fire  ;  the  ad- 
urnt  if  he  would 
1  he  promised  he 
h  about  thirteen 
icoyed  nearly  the 
in  the  house,  and 

Inne,  1813. 
BARNABY. 

me,  a  justice  of 
f  and  year  above 

KNINGION. 


Tho  deposition  of  Francis  B.  Chandlear,  of 
Fredcricktown,   Gccil   county,   Maryland,   aged 
about  thirty-nine  yearR,  being  duly  sworn,  dc- 
poseth  and  saith,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  (Uh 
of  May  last,  just  as  he  had  returned  from  the 
fort,  he  was  standing  near  his  house  and  saw  a 
British   party   consisting  of  about  fifty   persons, 
armed   and   headed  by  an  oflicer,  said  to  be  a 
post  captain,  running  up  to  his  house;  that  he,  this 
deponent,  stopped  upon  the  steps  of  the  house  and 
requested  the  oflicer  not  to  enter;  that  he  caught 
him  by  the  breast  and  called  him  a  damned  rascal 
and  pulled  him  from  off  the  steps,  and  then  enter- 
ed the  house  with  the  whole  of  the  party  and  giive 
three  cheers,  and  ordered  the  men  to  ^o  to  work 
and  called  for  fire;  that  they  immediately  com- 
menced cutting  the  stair  case,  window  sash,  and" 
breaking  the  glass,  and  set  the  house  on  fire  in 
three  places;  that  at  this  time  Admiral   Cockburn 
arrived,  and  he,  this  deponent,  begged  him  to  have 
the  fire  put  out,  until  he  would  reason  the  case 
with  him,  and  the  admiral  asked  him  what  he 
could  do;  if  he  could  furnish  thirty  bullocks  in  h;«lf 
an  hour,  that  if  he  coiild  not  the  house  should  be 
burnt,  and  asked  him  if  he  would  try  to  get  them, 
and  upon  this  deponent  replying  in  the  aflirma- 
tive,  ordered  the  fire  to  be  put  out  for  the  present; 
that  he  this  deponent  got  upon  his  horse,  and  rode 
abouf   half  a  mile,  when  he  fell  in  with  Colonel 
Vea  c>  and  informed  him  what  he  was  alter,  and 
that  the  colonel  told  him  to  go  back  and  infoi  m 
the  admiral  that  he  should  not  have  them;  that  he 
returned  and  informed  the  admiral  of   it,  wlio 
then  asked  him  what  else  he  could  do,  and  if  he  had 
a  good  deal  of  poultry,  and  upon  rcplyinij,  yes,  told 
him  he  must  have  it,  and  ordered  his  men  to  catch  it, 
which  was  done  and  carried  off;  that  then  hy  tue 

13 


•^■•^wvw«»» 


98 

great  persuasion  and  entreaty  of  this  deponent's 
wMV"  and  sist.r  the  housi!  was  ordered  not  to  be 
burnt;  hni  the  sister  of  ...is  deponent  was  nuuh 
alnised  by  one  of  their  inferior  oflicers.  for  her 
exertions  in  endeavoring  to  save  the  projierty,  that 
this  deponent  had  his  wareh-.use  burnt  by  them 
with  a  considerable  quantity  of  goods  in  it,  and 
that  he  himself  was  a  prisoner  with  them  for  about 
three  hours. 

Given  under  my  hand  this  12th  June,  1813. 

FllANCIS  B.  CHANDLEAR. 

Sworn  to  and  Hubscribed  before  me,  a  justice  of 
the  iK'aec  for  Coicil  county,  the  day  and  year 
above  wnucn.  ^^^  ^^  pEMNGTON. 


On  this  12th  day  of  June,  1813,  personally 
appeared  Jonathan  Greenwo  d,aged  thirty  years, 
and  being  f'l  st  sw  r»  on  the  lluiy  Evangelists  ot 
Ahnighty  God,  did  declare  and  say,  that  on  the 
moining  of  the  6th  of  May  last,  upon  the  landing 
of  the  British  forces  at  Fiedericktown,  where  this 
deponent  resides,  an  otTiccr  and  two  sailors  came 
to  said  deponent's  house,  and  swore  that  if  they 
had  not  found  him  without  arms,  they  would 
have  thurst  him  through  uith  their  bayonets; 
they  then  retiied,  fell  in  with  some  other  forces, 
which  soon  aiter  came  to  deponent's  house,  broke 
it  opi'M,  took  whatever  they  conveniently  could 
ca.ry  away,  and  destroyed  the  rest  with  their 
cullas.es  and  dnks,  and  burned  it,  with  his  dwell- 
ino-  h  iii^e, si*)ie!»uuse.  und  kitchen.  The  t-iheeis  ap 
pe'aied  to  be  the  most  active  in  the  destruction  ot 


this  deponent's 
dcird  not  to  be 
rient  was  much 
ofl'iccrs.  lor  her 
le  property,  that 
burni  by  them 
i5oods  in  it,  and 
\  them  for  about 

June,  1813. 

lANDLEAR. 

•  me,  a  Justice  of 
e  day  and  year 

iNINGTON. 


1813,  personally 
god  thirty  years, 
y  Lvangehsts  of 
say,  that  on  the 
jpon  the  landing- 
own,  H'here  this 
Ao  sailors  came 
lire  that  if  they 
ms,  they  would 

their  bayonets; 
imc  other  forces, 
nt's  house,  broke 
iiveniently  could 

rest  with  their 
:,  with  his  dwell- 
.  The  t'lVicers  ap 
I  he  de&tructioi\  of 


rmm^l/m 


99 


his  property.     The  houses  in  the  town  were  soon 
after  generally  set  on  fire  and  destroyed. 

JONATHAN  GKEENWOOI). 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me,  a  justice  of 
the  peace  for  Cuicil  county,  on  the  day  and  year 
above  written. 

H.  U.  FENINGTON. 


The  deposition  of  Captain  John  Allen,  of 
F.edericktown,  Coccil  county,  Maryland,  aged 
about  fifty-one  years,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth 
and  saith  that  on  the  morning  of  the  6lli  of  >'  ly 
last,  when  the  Hi  itish  forces  landed  on  the  beach 
of  Frederickt«)wn  and  inaiched  up  through  the 
streets,  they  fell  in  with  this  deponent  at  his  brother 
Jaoies  Allen's  house.  The  troops  were  Ueaded  by 
the  commanding  orticcr,  (Admiral  Ci^ekburn,  as 
this  deponent  was  informed  by  one  of  the  men) 
and  oliserved  who  the  damnation  are  these  that 
kept  sucli  a  firing  upon  us,  are  they  regulars?  this 
deponent  answered  no.  they  were  militia;  he  ihen 
asked  where  they  w<  .e  gone,  and  was  told  he  did 
n^it  know;  he  then  asked  where  are  all  the  men  of 
the  town,  and  was  inlormed  they  w  ere  moved  out; 
he  said  he  had  sent  word  to  the  shore  that  if  he  was 
not  fired  upon  he  would  not  destroy  any  property, 
and  turned  round  and  observed  to  a  black  boy 
standing  by,  you  black  son  of  a  bitch  was  one 
of  the  persons  1  sent  word  by,  which  the  boy 
denied.  lie  then  ordered  the  men  to  go  on  and 
burn  and  destroy,  which  they  executed  with 
fidelity.  This  deponent  then  b.gged  the  admiral 
to  spare  his  house  (meaning  th.  house  of  James, 
Allen;  as  ms  brother's  wile  was  confuiCLl  up  st^iirg. 


t.iVmif..<imn»mimifDm'iflfilimr 


f:,M 


100 

in  a  very  delicate  situation,  with  an  infant  only  two 
days  old.     He  then  ordered  her  to  be  cleared  out; 
Mrs  M'Donnah,  his  wife's  mother,  run  out  clapping 
her  hands,  and  begged  for  God's  sake  to  spare  her 
child    for  if  she  was  remoyed  her  life  would  be 
lost.  '  He  then  ordered,  spare  this  house.    He  now 
irarchcd  off  after  the  men  that  had  been  gone 
for  some  little  time,  and  shortly  afterwards  returned 
on  horse  back.    I'his  deponent  then  requested  the 
admiral  to  spare  him  one  house,  that  he  might 
collect  his  family  together  in,  after  it  should  please 
Providence  to   restore    peace  between  the  two 
nation^.     He  then  directed  this  deponent  to  get 
lii.n  some  fowls,  who  informed  him  he  had  none; 
be  damned  him  and  asked  if  he  could  not  get 
them,  and  was  told  no;  immediately  alterwards  a 
fire  was  made  in  the  storehouse  and  consumed. 
While  George  and  Frederick  towns  were  in  flames, 
the  admiral  in  the  presence  of  this  deponent  ob- 
served to  liis  officers,  well  my  lads  this  lool:s  wcl , 
to  which  no  reply  was  made,  and  he  ordered  all 
hands  on  board  of  the  boats.  That  this  deponent 
gaw  the  British  two  and  a  half  miles  oft,  coming 
up,  and  saw  no  flag  of  truce  or  any  thing  like  it. 
That  this  deponent  is  of  opinion  the  defence  made 
by  Colonel  Veazey  and  the  men  und.r  his  com- 
mand was  such  as  to  entitle  them  to  much  credit, 
and  iustified  by  every  circumstance  within  his 
knowledge,  though  himself  and  brother  are  sut- 
ferersto  nearly  one  half  of  the  property  in  tre- 
dericktown.  ^^^^^  ^^^^^ 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me  this  12th 
day  of  June,  1813,  a  justice  of  the  peace  iorCa-cii 
county.  ^^    ^    PENINGTON. 


infant  only  two 
)  be  cleared  out; 
run  out  clapping 
lake  to  spare  her 
er  life  would  be 
liouse.    He  now 

had  been  gone 
:rwards  returned 
en  requested  the 
'.,  that  he  might 
•  it  should  please 
etween  the  two 

deponent  to  get 
im  he  had  none; 
le  could  not  get 
tely  aftervi-ards  a 
e  and  consumed. 
IS  were  in  flames, 
lis  deponent  ob- 
is  this  lool:s  well, 
d  he  ordered  all 
at  this  deponent 
niles  oft;  coming 
any  thing  like  it, 
:he  defence  made 
n  under  his  conti- 
n  to  much  credit, 
tance  within  his 
brother  are  suf- 
property  in  Fre- 

HN  ALLEN. 

fore  me  this  12th 
le  peace  for  Ca«cil 

ENINGTON. 


-^ 


lUl 

The  deposition  of  Joshua  Ward,  living  about 
one  mile  from   Fredericktown  in  Ca-cil  county, 
aged  forty-four,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and 
saith,  that  from  the  best  information  he  could  ob 
tain  from  those  person  >  that  were  left  at  his  house, 
that  a  party  of  the  British  consisting  of  between 
thirty  and  forty  men,  commanded  by  an  ofticer, 
said  to  be  a  post  captain,  on  the  sixth  of  May  last, 
went  to  his  house  and  immediately  placed  a  guaid 
around  it,  inquired  particularly  foi'  him,  and  search- 
ed every  part  of  the  house,  swearing  they  w  ould 
sacrifice  him;  being  disappointed  in  finding  nu, 
the3    then  '    "an   to   destroy  the  tables,   chairs, 
looking  glab&^j,  &c.;  when  they  had  completed  the 
destruction  of  such  furniture  as  they  could  not 
take  off  with  them,  the  ofticer  himself  took  down 
a  pair  of  handsome  looking  glasses,  the  others  of 
the  party  took  as  much  of  the  best  bedding,  cloth- 
ing, plate,  window  curtains,  &.c.  as  they  could  con- 
veniently carry  with  them;  my  little  boy's  clothes 
they  carried  off  on  the  point  of  their  bayonets;  be- 
fore they  left  the  house  they  put  powder  in  every 
room  below  stairs,  an  ofticer  got  fire  himself  from 
the  kitchen,  and  had  it  kindled  in  the  different 
rooms,  and  a  bed  put  in  the  cellar  w ith  a  pait  of 
the  broken  chairs,  tables,  &c-  and  a  fire  kindled, 
they  then  left  the  house,  but   continued  in  the 
yard  until  the  fire  was  bursting  from  the  windows, 
end  swore  that  if  there  was  an  attempt  to  ex- 
tinguish the  fire  they  would  put  the  person  to 
death;  that  they  intended  to  return  and  burn  every 
thing  on  the  farm;  they  fired  at  one  of  my  sons 
not  twelve  years  of  age,  as' he  was  driving  off  a 
flock  of  sheep. 

JOSHUA  WARD. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me,  a  justice  of 
the  peace  for  Coecil  county,  Maryland,  this   14th 

June,  1813, 

H.  B.  PENINCTON. 


i 


i><inimisim'iw 


I  .ilp'i 


I        I 


102 

The  deposition  of  Toilus  Robetson,  a^ed  about 
Lbiity-four  years,  who  did  hve  within  about  one 
mile  of  Fredericktown  in  Coecil  county,  Mary- 
laid:  This  deponent  states  that  on  the  morning  of 
the  0th  of  May,  he  was  at  the  breastwork  near  Fre- 
dericktown, at  the  time  the  British  armament  came 
up  the  Sassafras  river;  that  he  saw  no  flag  of  truce; 
that  after  the  militia  were  obhged  to  retreat  he  re- 
turned home,  and  in  a  very  short  time  saw  a  party 
of  the  British  coming  towards  his  house,  and  he 
and  his  family  left  their  house,  except  two  black 
women  and  a  black  man,  who  state  that  the  Bri- 
tish took  the  deponent's  household  furniture  and 
piled  it  up  in  the  yard  before  the  house  door,  and 
set  them  on  tire,  which  communicated  to  the  house 
and  consumed  it  also;  the  barn  which  stood  about 
one  hundred  yards  from  the  house  was  set  on  lire 
and  consumed.    This  deponent  lost  all  liis  house- 
hold "-oods  and  provisions.  He  saw  Fredericktown 
in  thr.es  previous  to  his  leaving  his  house,  which 
alarmed  himself  and  family  to  that  degree  that  he 
abandoned  his  house  for  their  satety. 

Witness  my  hand. 

TOILUS  ROBETSON. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  to.  before  the  subscriber 
a  iustice  of  the  peace  for  Coecil  county,  Maryland, 
this  fourteenth  day  of  June,  1813. 

H.  B.  PENINGTON. 


The  deposition  of  Moses  N.  Cannon,  aged 
ibout  thirty-two,  who  lives  within  about  one-hat 
mile  of  Fredericktown  in  Coecil  county.  Mainland. 
This  dcponer.t  states  thai  he  was  at  the  breast- 
work near  Fredericktown  on  the  6th  ot  May 
la^t    when  the  British  armament  came   up  th<- 


tson,  aged  about 
ithin  ubout  one 
county,  Maiy- 
i  the  cnorning  of 
3twoi  k  near  Fre- 
armanient  came 
no  flag  of  truce; 
to  retreat  he  re- 
time saw  a  party 
lis  house,  and  he 
xcept  two  bhuk 
ate  that  the  Bii- 
Id  furniture  and 
house  door,  and 
ated  to  the  hi -use 
hich  stood  about 
se  was  set  on  lire 
ost  all  his  house- 
w  Fredericktovvn 
his  house,  which 
at  degree  that  he 
ety. 

ROBETSON. 

jre  the  subscriber 
ounty,  Maryland, 
J. 

•ENINGTON. 


N.  Cannon,  aged 
lin  about  one-hidt 
;ounty,  Maryland: 
vas  at  the  bieast- 
the  6th  of  May 
Mit  came  up  tho 


103 


Sassafras  river;  that  he  saw  no  flag  of  truce; 
that  after  the  militia  were  obliged  to  retreat,  he 
returned  home,  and  was  occupied  in  turning  hoises 
out  of  his  wluat  field,  when  a  party  of  the  British 
came  to  his  house,  he  rode  up  to  them,  and  they 
informed  him  tliat  he  was  their  prisoner;  and  on 
his  t)bsfrving  that  he  was  in  their  power,  they  in- 
quired of  him  if  he  had  any  thing  to  drink,  and 
he  answeiiiig  in  the  negative,  they  told  him  they 
had  g.)t  something  to  rat,  and  asked  him  if  he 
wanted  his  house  burnt,  and  he  answering  in  the 
negative,  they  told  him  to  go  then  to  the  captain, 
that  he  was  in  the  house  and  would  set  fire  to  it; 
and  on  his  g )ing  tonards  the  hous<*  he  met  the 
P'  rson  whom  they  called  the  captain  with  another 
pi-rsofi  with  him,  loaded  with  his.  this  deponent's, 
bed  clothes,  a  pair  boots,  and  a  number  of  other 
articles  carrying  them  towards  his  men,  who  were 
fonn.'d  outside  ihe  yard,  at  the  time  an  oftieer  on 
horsi'back  rode  up  and  inquired  of  the  deponent 
where  the  damn,  d  militia  were;  he  observed  to 
him  they  had  retreated,  pointing  at  the  same 
time  towards  a  wood;  he  observed  he  must  burn 
the  deponent's  house,  and  on  the  deponent  ex- 
postulating with  him,  and  stating  the  disadvantage 
he  would  labor  under  in'  case  his  house  was  burnt 
he  then  inquired  of  him  the  road  to  the  niouth  oi 
Elk  river,  and  if  he,  the  oflicer,  could  march 
his  men  there,  and  the  deponent  observed  that  hirf 
government  W()uKl  not  permit  lum  to  give  him 
any  instruction;  and  the  ullicer  observed  he  knew 
that  as  well  as  the  deponent,  but  that  he  might 
trust  a  British  officer,  and  smiled,  and  turned  his 
horse  and  ordereil  his  men  to  march,  and  the/ 
went  off,  without  burning  the  house  or  asking  any 
more  questions.  The  deponent  then  went  to  a 
neighbitring  house  to  see  about  a  part  of  his  tamily. 
and  on  his  return  buck,  to\\ai-d?  his  house,  he  wa>' 


I? 


i  ^ 


104 

fn-cd  on  by  a  party  of  the  British,  stationed  in  the 
public  road,  about  one  hundred  and  fitty  yards 
from  the  deponent's  house;  he  then  retreated  acrose 
the  field,  and  abandoned  his  house;  he  saw  alter 
ridin<'  from  the  party  who  fired  on  him,  a  party 
coins' towards  his  house,  who  as  he  supposes  des- 
troyed or  took  away  the  residue  of  his  household 
o-oods,  and  broke  the  window  glass,  sash,  doors, 
and  did  considerable  damage  to  his  house. 
Fredericktown  was  on  fire  about  the  time  the  tirst 
party  of  the  British  came  to  the  deponent's  house. 
Witness  my  hand. 

MOSES  N.  CANNON. 

Sworn  to  and  subscribed  before  me,  a  justice  of 
the  peace  for  Coccil  county,  Maryland,  this  ioui- 
teenth  day  of  June,  1813. 

H.  B.  PENINGTON. 


I  do  hereby  certify,  that  being  in  the  fort  at 
Fredericktown  on  Sassafras  river,  on  the  morning 
of  the  sixth  of  May  last,  when  a  battle  took  place 
with  the  British  and  the  militia  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Thomas  W.  Veazey,  I  distinctly 
saw  the  enemy  from  the  time  they  first  came  in 
view,  and  discerned  no  flag  of  truce  or  any  thing 
resembling  one.    The  enemy  after  some  resistance- 
landed,  burned  Frederick  and  George  towns,  and 
destroyed  a  great  deal  of  other  private  property. 
My  house  about  eight  miUs  on  the  river  Irom  the 
i'o,"^,  was  plundered  by  them  on  their  way  down 

the  river.  _.    ,,„  .  „^r 

.TNO.  T.  VEAZY. 

Siissafras  Neck,  Cacil  county,  June  2Sth,  1813. 
Sworn  befere  y.  p.  pEMNGTON. 


stationed  in  the 

and  fifty  yards 

retreated  aci  ose 

ise;  he  saw  after 

on  iiim,  a  party 

ic  supposes ,  dcs- 

)f  his  household 

ass,  sash,  doors, 

to   his    house. 

the  time  the  tirst 

Icponent's  house. 

'.  CANNON. 

•erne,  a  justice  of 
yland,  this  foui'- 

ENINGTON. 


n<y  in  the  fort  at 
■j'on  the  morning 
,  battle  took  place 
.  under  the  com- 
eazey,  I  distinctly 
hey  fust  came  in 
ruce  or  any  thing 
sr  some  resistance 
icorgc  towns,  and 
private  property, 
the  river  from  the 
1  their  way  down 

EA7.Y. 

line  2Sth,  181.?. 

PENlN(rrON. 


Valuation  of  properly  destroyed  in   Fredericktown, 


\ 


\ 


Owners  Names. 


Capt.  John  Allen 


Kichard  Bamaby 
John  Barnaby 


John  H.  Brown 

Capt  Frs.  B.  Chandlear 


Jonathan  Greenwood 


Mrs.  Ann  Moore 


Joseph  Jarvis 
Elizabeth  M'Clannan 
James  Mitchell 

Moses  Cannon 
Toilas  Robertson 
James  Williamson 
Joshua  Ward 


John  Ward,  senr. 


Species  of  propeiii/. 


Dwelling  house,  kitchen, 

and  meat  house,  0  1,200  00 

Small  house  -  200  00 

Small  ditto  -         -         300  00 

Stable  and  carriage  house       100  00 


Granary 

Furniture  and  apparel 
House  and  kitchen 
House  and  kitchen 


1,000  00 


350  00 
500  00 


Wearing  apparel 
Granary  and  shed  near 

bank,  -  1,000  00 

Granary  on  wharf  250  (XJ 


Dwelling  house,  kitchen, 

and  store  house 
Merchandise 

Dwelling  house 
Furniture,  &c. 


1,226  00 
792  37J 


1.200  00 
447  00 


House  .  .  - 

House  -  -  . 

Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  and  meat 

hffuse, 
Furniture,  apparel,  &c. 
Furpiture,  apparel,  &c. 
Furniture,  apparel  &c. 
Dwelling  house  &  kitchen    2,500  00 
Furniture,  apparel,  &c  2,836  45 


Tenant's  house 


Amount. 


S  2,800  00 
411  00 


850  00 

47  00 


1,250  00 


2,018  37i 


1,647  00 

50  00 

100  00 

300  00 
25<J  00 
208  00 
153  25 


5.336  45 
450  00 


Sum  total    I  $  15,s71  07 j- 


The  within  is  an  inventory  of  property  burned,  otherwise  destroyed,  or  taken  away,  on  the  sixth  day  of  May 
last,  by  tlie  British  forces  commanded  by  rear  Admiral  Coclvbuin,  in  Fiedencic  and  Gtorge  towns,  and  the  vicinity 
thercot,  situated  on  Sassafras  river,  Easteriishorc,  stare  ni'  Maryland;  taken  by  the  subscribers  on  oavli,  when 
they  had  a  cr.injjoteiw  Ivnowledge  thereof;  but  when  thc-y  liad  not  a  satisfactory  knowledge  of  the  property  d."btroyed 
as  aforesaid,  sclteduies  thereof  were  taken  from  the  owners  w\mv  oaili.  The  subscribers  liave  safficieni  reasons  to  be- 
lieve, indeed,  that  property  to  a  very  considerable  amount  has  been  destroyed  or  taken  away  by  the  afoiesaid  British 
forces,  from  the  above  mehtioned  places,  which  they  can  obtain  no  correct  or  satistactory  account  of. 


^m  yune,  1813. 


JOHN  J   COX. 
JOHN  MAXWRLL, 
JAMES  BLACKISTON. 


14 


ricktown. 


Amount. 

30 

)0 

' 

X) 

30 

dO 

S  2,800  00 

411  00 

30 

30 

850  00 

47  00 

30 

X) 

1,250  00 

X) 

37J 

2,018  37i 

30 

30 

1,647  00 

50  00 

100  00 

at 

300  00 

25<3  00 

208  00 

153  23 

OO 

45 

5.336  45 

450  00 

i) 

$  15,s71  07i 

,  on  the  sixth  day  of  Majr 
$e  towns,  and  the  vicinitjr 
iibscribers  on  oath,  when 
of  the  property  d,'btroyed 
.ve  suflicieiu  reaiiiiiis  to  be* 
)•  by  the  at'oiesaid  British 
:ount  of. 


X, 

VF.LL, 

CKISTON. 


Property  destroyed  in  Georgetown. 


Owners  Names. 


Ann  Bagwell 
Smith  Bagwell's  Heirs 
Maigaiet  Downs 
Denis  Donlevy 

Thomas  Dollis 

Margaret  Jackson 

Arthur  Nicholson's  Heirs 
Mary  Nicholson 
Joseph  Jarvis 
Archibald  M'Neill 
Fanny  M'Neill 
Philip  F.  Rasin 

Isabella  Faggert 
Robert  Usilton 
Mrs.  Wilson 

William  Inland 

Mrs.  Pearer 

Mrs.  Mary  Everitt 

Jacob  Roads 

Heirs  of  William  Pope 

Miss  Stengises 

Arthur  Nicholson's  heirs 

Isabella  Freeman 

Mrs.  Mary  Henry 

Robert  Elliott 
Stepney  Congo 
Ann  Peare 
William  Jackson 

Inois  Spuran 

Heirs  ol  Alex.  Williamson 


Specks  of  projievUj. 


Furniture.  &c. 

Shoemakers  slwp 

Dwelling  house  and  kitchen 

Household  furniture,  apparel,  musi- 
cal instruments,  books,  provision, 
&c.  &c.  &c. 

Furniture,  apparel,  carpenter's  tools, 
&c. 

Houses,  furniture,  apparel,  money, 
tools,  &c.  ^c.  &e. 

Dwelling  house,  &.c. 

Furniture,  apparel,  &c. 

Furniture,  apptrel,  &.c. 

House 

Furniture,  apparel,  Stc. 

Granary,  -  ^300  00 

Furniture,  apparel,  &c.  128  75 


Amount. 


Furniture,  ap|)arel,  &c. 
Furniture,  apparel,  &c. 
Dwelling  houie,  kitchen,  and  two  out 

houses 
Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  stable,  and 

carriage  houses 
Dwelling  house,  brick,  kitchen,  stable 

and  carriage  house 
Carriage  house,       ^ 
Old  hou-e  - 

Tavern  house,  granary,  two  story 

stable  and  carriage  house 
Good  brick  dwelling  house  &  kitchen 

Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  stable,  and 

carriage  house 
Store  house 

Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  and  stable 
Dwelling  house 
Dwelling  house  and  kitchen 
Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  store  house 

and  granary 
Dwelling  house  and  kitchen 
Dwelling  house,  kitchen,  &.c. 

Sum  total,  Georgetown 
Ditto,  Fredericktowii 

,  W^hole  amount 


S  156  00 
200  00 
•150  00 


P,744  15 

110  00 

1,865  75 
3.30  00 
150  00 
67  12^ 
200  00 
109  87i 

428  75 
134  56 
119  60 

1,800  00 

850  00 

850  00 
80  00 
40  00 

1,000  00 

2,5(J0  00 

200  00 

800  00 
250  00 
300  00 
150  Ot) 
150  00 

500  00 
1,000  00 
1,500  00 


S  19,7.')5  81 
1,"}.871  071 


$  35,()26  fcS^ 


m 

Easternihore,  ^ar^UpdL 

MuUif^ied  engagements  and  forgftftilncw, 
fiUfceeding  each  othcf,  have  prevented  mv  foV' 
Warding  to  you  this  <>tateroent  of  the  depredation|f 
committed  on  my  pro()erty  at  Sharp's  Island,  h^ 
the  eneiny  whil?  m  the  Chesapeake.    On  th* 
12th  of  April,  while  I  was  in  the  act  of  removing 
my  stock,  &c.  they  landed  upwards  of  an  htrndreq 
men  and  prevented  mv  removing   any  thing. 
They  detained  me  on  the  Island  until  the  seven; 
teenth,  in  which  time  they  were  principally  en^- 
g;ed  ill  getting  water.     Declarations  were  madeby 
Admiral  WiTrren  and  the  other  o^icers,  that'cverj^ 
thing  of  the  stock  or'  grain  kind,  taken  Away, 
should  be  paid   for,  at  a  fair  pijce..    Admiral 
Cockburn  was.  as  I  w»«tnfbrmed.  at  this  time  sent 
up  the  bay  with  the  advancie  detachment  of  the 
fleet.     Admiral  Warren's  ship  and  a  feW  tjinders 
only,  wmained  about  the  Island.      At  that  time 
they  took  ;i8  hogs,  4  sheep,  12  cattle,  13  bushels  of 
Indian  corn,  and  informed  me  that  they  should 
allow  the  followii.g  prices  for  them:  Hoks  |  2^, 
sheep  A  2i,  cattle  ^  13  a  piece,  corn  $  I  per  bdshel. 
On  my  rt  turn  to  the  Island   some  weeks  after- 
wards,   the  accounts   were  niiadt   out,  to    the 
flmount  of  f  247,  bills  on  their  government  lor 
the  aipount,  exc^  about  8  54  In  specie.    Before 
I  return^  to  the  Island,  the  fleet  had  all  ^one 
down  the  bay.  I  understood  (him  the  inhubitahts, 
living  in  sight  t»f  the  Island,  that  tlie  enomy  had 
paid  the  Island  another  visit  and  bad  made  a  ge- 
neral 8wtH5p  of  the  stuck.     On  my  arrival  at  the 
Island  I  found  it  too  true.  They  had  taken  all  my 
4ieen,  in  number  91;  sixty-five  of  which  were  f 
and  4  blood  merinos  and  one  full  blood  ram, 
which  cost  me  8  95,  18  head  of  cattle,  and  abaut 
U)      ' 


108 


20  hops.  They  left  a  bill  on  their  government  for 
0  133  and  cash  to  the  amount  ot  ^  40.  They 
took  all  the  poultry,  shot  in  a  wanton  manner  one 
of  the  finest  boars  which  this  country  could  pro' 
duce,  and  which  was  much  admired  by  Admiral 
Warren  for  his  uncommon  beauty  and  breed  and 
who  forbid,  as  a  favor  to  me,  that  he  should  be 
disturbed.  They  bayoneted  others,  which  they 
left  wounded,  and  which  would  huve  been  lost, 
had  my  overseer  not  saved  a  part  by  killing  them. 
They  left  nothing  for  the  sheep  only  a  promise  of 
$  2  per  head.  1  have  estimated  my  loss,  arising 
principally  from  this  last  visit,  at  ;^  1,203,  as  will 
appear  by  the  following  statement: 

18  cattle  at  f  13 

20  hogs  at  1^  4 

5.^  £  and  {  blood  lambs,  at  ^  10 

36  common  stock  with  fleece  at  ij5  fi 

4  taken  at  the  first  visit,  merinos, 
at^lO 


^234  00 

80  00 

5.50  00 

216  00 


40  00 


$  1,120  00 
Deduct  $  2i  paid  for  the  first  four  10  00 


1  full  blood  merino  ram 
Bills  and  cash  left 


$  1.110  00 
95  00 

1;205  00 
173  00 


1,032  00 
Trouble  and  expense  of  reinstating 

stock  -  -  -  100  00 


$  1,132  00 


I  will  give  those  prices  to  any  person  who  will 
reinstate  the  same  number  of  stork  afld  kine,  at 
the  close  of  the  war,  or  deliver  them  at  any  of  my 


-.VjLir  Ji^^^At^iiSikrs^lat.^ulf     ..i..^aSJ;.-|,. 


Bj<Urtt-.»wg*liifi*gM>j  i 


1 


1  on  their  government  for 
mount  o[  i^  40.  'I'hcy 
in  a  wanton  manner  one 
this  country  could  pro- 
jch  admired  by  Admiral 
n  beauty  and  breed  and 
o  me,  that  he  should  be 
leted  others,  which  they 
h  would  httve  been  lost, 
d  a  part  by  killing  them, 
sheep  only  a  promise  of 
itimatcd  my  loss,  arising 
visit,  at  1^  1,203,  as  will 
atement: 

$  234  00 
80  00 
5.50  00 
216  00 


s,  at  4$^  10 
fleece  at  1^6 
it,  merinos, 


40  00 


$  1,120  00 
e  first  four  10  00 


reinstating 


$  1,110  00 
95  00 

1,205  00 
173  00 

1,032  00 

100  00 

$  1,132  00 


o  any  person  who  will 
?r  of  stock  aftd  kine,  at 
liver  them  at  any  of  my 


W>.liafc*itlniM»W«'ll<»ii  UliAiwri^^iIai^*'w*rt■ 


lOt 


fafms,  the  ram  excepted,  ag  I  have  raised 
otiurs  of  the  same  kind.  The  injury  done  me  by 
breaking  up  the  flock  of  sheep  is  far  beyond  tiie 
prices  stated,  as  they  cannot  be  reinstated  for  scve* 
ral  years.  The  destructipn  of  the  ram  was  a 
wanton  outrage,  as  he  was  not  fit  to  be  eaten. 
He  was  bayoneted  and  I  believe  left  on  the  Island. 
This,  1  pn  sume,  was  aimed  at  our  manufactures. 
There  will  be  a  loss  of  at  least  20  per  cent, 
upon  the  bills  if  sold  here,  and  probably  a  total 
loss  if  I  wait  for  the  British  government  to  pay 
them.  Add  this  to  the  amount  above  given^ 
wakes  the  total  loss  $  1,203 

Your  friend  and  servant, 

J\COB  GIBSON. 

Marengo,  Ibth  July,  1813. 
James  Nabb,  Esquire,  near  Easton. 

Talbot  county,  set. 

On  the  20th  July,  1813,  came  Jacob  Gibson, 
Esquire,  before  me,  one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace 
for  the  state  of  Maryland,  and  for  Talbol  coun- 
ty aforesaid  and  made  oath  on  the  Holy  Evange- 
lists of  Almighty  God,  that  what  is  contained 
in  the  within  instrument  of  writing,  is  just  and 
true,  as  stated  as  near  as  he  can  ascertain. 

WILLIAM  HARRISON,  Jr. 


(Copy) 


SIR, 


United  States'  Frigate  Adams, 

July  24,  1813, 


I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  copy  of  a 
letter  from  Lieutenant  Read,  giving  the  particulars 
of  the  loss  of  the  schooner  Asp,  and  the  inhuman 
conduct  of  the  enemy  to  her  commander,  Mr. 
S^ourney.   Another  letter  from  Lieutenant  Read 


no 

of  the  saire  date,  mf ntions  that  no  part  of  the 
enemy's  lorce'  were  then  above  Black  stone's  Is- 
land. He  further  states,  that  it.  itieir  attempts  to 
land  on  the  Virginia  8h(?re,  they  have  been  in- 
variably repulsed 

Very  rrspectfuny, 

'i  our  obedient  servant, 

C.  MOURia 

Hwi.  JfVHam  Jones, 

ikcrttury  oj  the  Navy,  fVaahiugtoru 


CCopy.) 

ITnitrd  States'  Cutter  Scorpion, 

Potomac,  July  23d,  1813. 

SIR, 

It  is  with  much  pain  I  have  to  uiform  you  of 
the  death  of  poor  Segourney,  who  was  kilh  d  a 
few  days  ago  (I  cannot  say  when)  gallantly  de- 
fending his  vessel.  He  was  attacked  whilst  lyit.g 
in  Ktnsale  creek,  by  three  launches,  and  alter  a 
sharp  contest  beat  them  off.  I'hey,  however,  on 
gaining  the  mouth  of  the  creek  were  rein<'orc«  d 
by  two  more,  and  again  renewed  the  conflict. 
About  this  time  Mr.  Segourney  got  wounded 
through  the  body.  The  crew  on  seeing  him  fall, 
!h  ving  no  officer  capable  of  leading  them,  jumped 
ovcr!«o£.'d  and  gained  the  ah  re;  when  the  «  nemy, 
wbo  i>,  -his  tim  ?-iCceeded  in  getting  on  boaid, 
iiutiing  tne  colors  still  tlying  and  Segourney  sitting 
up,  barbarously  knocked  his  brains  out  with  the 
but  end  of  a  musket. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  action,  Mr. 
Segourney  thinking  them  too  strong  for  him,  had 
ran  the  schooner  on  shore,  in  which  situation  the 
enemy  found  her,  and  not  being  able  to  get  her  off, 
set  her  on  fire.    1  iie  militia,  however,  (who  must 


)ns  that  no  part  of  the 

uhove  Black  stone'"  Is- 

that  ii'  ilifir  att«*mpt8  to 

ore,  they  have  been  in- 

:tfu!l.v, 

ir  obedient  servant, 

C.  MOUUia 

%vy,  ffiuhtugiotu 


utte*  Scorpion, 

Polom«c,  July  23d,  1813. 

I  have  to  inform  you  of 
urney,  who  was  killed  a 
say  when)  gallantly  de- 
vas  attacked  whilst  lying 
ree  launches,  and  after  a 
off.  They,  however,  on 
;  creek  were  rein<"orced 
n  renewed  the  conflict, 
jegourney  got  wounded 
crew  on  seeing  him  fall, 
of  leading  them,  jumped 
!9hi  re;  when  the  enemy, 
eded  in  getting  on  boaid, 
ing  and  Segourney  sitting 
1  his  brains  out  with  the 

ent  of  the  action,  Mr. 
1  too  strong  for  him,  had 
re,  in  which  situation  lUe 
»t  being  able  lo  get  her  otf, 
itia,  however,  (who  must 


111 

hnvr  been  slow  in  collecting)  by  this  time  got 
ddvvn  and  l>eat  thenj  off,  retook  the  schoomi  and 
extinguished  the  flitnies. 

T'hey  have  since  buiied  Mr.  Segourney  vtuh 
the  honors  of  war. 

1  have  not  heard  any  thing  of  the  crew. 
1  am,  Sir,  very  respect  hilly, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

GEO  C.  READ. 

Captain  Charles  Morris, 

United  States' frigaie  Jlams. 
P.  S.  All  this  I   have  from  authority  which 
cannot  be  doubted- 


Extract  of  a  Jet'er  from  midshipmn  11  M.  M'Chn- 
tock,  dattd  Kinmle,  July  mh  1813,  to //le  Ae- 
crelary  of  the  Navy  Department. 

"  We  were  attacked  by  5  1  loats;  we  con- 
tinued doing  the  same  as  before,  hut  having  so 
few  men  we  were  unable  to  reji  I  the  enemy; 
when  they  boarded  us  they  refus  d  giving  any 
quarters;  there  were  upwards  of  fill  men  on  our 
d«  cks,  which  eompelled  us  to  leave  the  vessel,  as 
the  enemy  had  possession;  they  put  h-  r  on  hreand 
retreated." 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  John  TubervtU  ,  major  of 
the  2d  brigade,  11  U/^  n'gimentoj  th-  l^irgtma 
militia,  doled  Kinsale,  Jtuy  20th,  lb  1.5. 

"  1  arrived  myself,  at  the  place  of  c  ipture  be- 
fore the  colors  were  lowered,  and  am  confident 
that,  even  at  that  time,  their  numbers,  a  nounting 


in 


.n 


ttSej;  Jji.'^-*t'' 


m 

to  between  60  and  70,  might  have  been  reduced 
one  half,  before  they  Could  make  their  escape, 
could  1  have  c vmmunded  20  determined  men. 
The  gallant  coniiuardant  hll  btfore  the  enemy 
boarded  him,  by  a  ball  which  passed  through  his 
body,  but  continued  to  iigat  to  the  last  extremity. 
When  there  were  40  or  50  of  the  enemy  on  deck, 
one  of  the  schooner's  crew  ask"d  for  quarters, 
which  was  denied  him.  At  this  instant  the  few 
men  remaining  made  their  escape  by  swimming 
to  the  shore,  and  Mr.  Segourney  was  instantly 
shot  through  the  head.  The  vessel  was  shortly 
set  on  fi'  e  and  the  barges  moved  off.  The  officer^ 
fought  bravely,  and  Mr.  M'Clintock  defended  the 
vessel  with  much  credit  to  himself,  after  the  com- 
manding officer  was  wounded." 

Hon.  fVill'mm  Jone9t  «  -^  - 

Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Washington. 


(Copy.) 
SIR, 


Newbern,  July  19th,  1813. 


On  Sunday  night  the  eleventh  instant,  an 
English  fleet  consisting  of  one  seventy-four,  three 
frigates,  one  brig,  and  three  schooners,  anchored 
about  one  mile  from  Ocracoke  bar;  about  day 
break  we  were  informed  of  it  on  Portsmouth, 
by  jiersons  from  Ocracoke.     I  immediately  got 
up  and  ordered  the  cutter  to  get  under  way  and 
run  up  to  Newbern  and  give  the  alarm,  which 
she  did,  but  made  a  very  narrow  escape  from  the 
bargee,  as  she  was  obliged  to  beat  over  the  swash 
agamst  wind  and  tide,  while  they  could  row  a 
straight  course.     I  believe  Admiral  Cockburn  in- 
tended to  have  visited  Newbern  for  the  purpose  of 


•^*>^£&^A3r-\^''^- 


^ 


light  have  been  reduced 
,.uld  make  their  escape, 
ed  20  determined  men. 
it  t«'ll  before  the  enemy 
bich  passed  through  his 
ynt  to  the  last  extremity. 
0  of  the  enemy  on  deck, 
rew  ask"d  for  quarters. 
At  this  instant  the  few 
leir  escape  by  swimming 
Segourney  was  instantly 
The  vessel  was  shortly 
moved  off.  The  officers 
M'Clintock  defended  the 
0  himself,  after  the  com- 
indcd." 

avij,  TVashington. 


■n,  July  19th,  1813. 

the  eleventh  instant,  an 
)f  one  seventy-four,  three 
hree  schooners,  anchored 
)cracoke  bar;  about  day 
;d  of  it  on  Portsmouth, 
;oke.  I  immediately  got 
er  to  get  under  way  and 
ind  give  the  alarm,  which 
Y  narrow  escape  from  the 
red  to  beat  over  the  swash 
while  they  could  row  a 
;ve  Admiral  Cockburn  in- 
Jewbern  for  the  purpose  of 


jtma-T-"-^-  • 


113 


robbing  the  banks,  but  was  prevented  by  the 
cutter  making  her  escape  to  g've  the  alarm:  In- 
deed he  said  such  was  his  intention,  and  was  very 
much  exasperated  because  the  baizes  did  not  take 
her.  I  believe  there  were  as  many  as  twenty-five 
barges  that  crossed  the  bar,  and  I  think  there 
could  not  have  been  less  than  three  thousand  re- 
gulars, marines,  and  sailors  in  them:  they  captured 
the  privateer  brig  Anaconda  of  New  York,  and 
the  letter  of  marque  schooner  Atlas,  of  Philadel- 
phia, both  valuable  fiist  sailing  vessels;  they  then 
landed  on  Portsmouth  and  Ocracoke,  and  such  a 
cruel,  wantt)n  destruction  of  property  was  scarcely 
ever  witnessed;  tl^ey  broke  in  pieces  almost  every 
species  of  furniture,  cut  open  beds,  and  scattered 
the  feathers,  and  even  carried  their  villany  to  such 
a  length  as  to  rob  many  women  of  their  children's 
clothes  without  leaving  them  a  second  suit  to  their 
backs.  The  officers  pretended  there  should  be  no 
depredations  committed,  and  when  complaints 
were  made  to  them  they  would  say,  "  point  out 
the  fellow  and  he  shall  be  corrected,"  well  know- 
ing it  was  impossible  to  identify  any  one  of  them, 
among  such  a  number  of  strangers.  I'hey  took 
off  of  the  two  places  two  hundred  cattle,  four  hun- 
dred sheep,  and  sixteen  hundred  fowls,  for  which 
ihey  pretended  to  pay  the  inhabitants,  some  of 
whom  I  believe  received  more  than  compensation, 
and  others  received  nothuig:  in  short,  they  have 
ruined  a'most  all  on  the  places.^  1  had  time  to 
send  my  trunk  with  what  bonds  and  money  there 
are  belonging  to  the  United  States,  on  board  the 
cutter  which  escaped;  I  also  had  time  to  bring  a 
few  of  the  most  valuable  pafjers  belonging  to  the 
office;  it  is  well  I  did,  for  they  destroyed  toy  office 
entirely,  every  paper  in  it  both  public  and  private; 
the^  destroyed  my  library  and  all  other  property 


■u 


■  «i  ,»i.iimi 


if 


114 

of  mine  they  could  find,  about  eight  hundred  dol- 
lars worth;  and  then  sent  me  on  board  the  seventy- 
four  where  they  detained  me  two  days,  until  they 
had  embarked  and  leady  to  sail.     1  was  on  shore 
two  days  before  they  discovt  rt  d  I  was  a  public 
officer; "  I  presume  they  sent  me  on  boat  d  to  pre- 
vent observation.  After  they  had  krpt  mc  until 
they  were  ready  to  start,  they  turned  me  adrilt  in 
the  ocean  in  a  small  boat  with  four  Spaniards  not 
one  of  whom  was  acquainted  with  ihe  bar  niore 
than  myself,  in  cunSLqucnce  of  which  we  got  into 
the  breakers  rnd  very  narrowly  escaped  being  all 
lost;  all  these  things  were  transacted  under  the  di- 
rection  of  the  humane    Admiral  Cockburn.     I 
believe  from  the  conv*  rsation  I  overheard,  that 
they  intend  to  visit  Beaufort,  then  Wilmington, 
and  so  on  to  the  southward. 

My  returns  will  be  made  as  soon  as  I  can  get 
what  remain  in  some  kind  of  order. 
Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed)  THOS.  S.  SINGLETON,  Col 

Honorable  fVUliam  Jones, 

Ming  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


On  the  morning  of  the  3d  May,  the  day  the 
British  under  command  of  Admiral  Cockburr 
made  the  attack  on  the  town  of  Havre  de  Grace, 
on  my  return  from  the  commons  where  1  had  de- 
posited some  ammunition,  I  observed  an  officer  oi 
the  horse  of  Mr.  James  Wood  of  this  place,  a  few 
paces  in  a  S.  W.  direction  of  tlie  church.  At  firsi 
sight  1  was  of  the  opinion  it  was  one  of  oui 
officers,  which  I  thought  to  be  adjutant  M'Kinna 
having  heard  but  a  few  moments  before,  the  voic( 


j«9N^;w  'J  JM  - 


about  eight  hundred  dol- 
\  me  on  board  the  seventy- 
d  me  two  days,  until  they 
y  to  sail.  1  was  on  shore 
discovt rtd  I  was  a  public 

sent  me  on  boat  d  to  pre- 
•  they  hud  kept  mc  until 
t,  they  turned  me  adrilt  in 
It  with  four  Spaniards!,  not 
aiiited  with  the  bar  more 
once  of  which  we  got  into 
lari  owly  escaped  being  all 
re  transacted  under  the  di- 
e    Admiral  Cockburn.     I 

rsation  1  overheard,  that 
Icaufort,  then  Wilmington, 
vard. 

made  as  soon  as  I  can  get 
ind  of  order, 
pectfully, 

ir  obedient  servant, 
.  S.  SINGLETON,  Col 

ie«, 

f  of  the  Treasury- 


of  the  3d  May,  the  day  the 
lid  of  Admiral  Cuckburn 
;  town  of  Havre  de  Grace, 
;  commons  where  1  had  de- 
ion,  1  observed  an  officer  on 
3  Wood  of  this  place,  a  few 
tion  of  tlie  church.  At  first 
•pinion  it  was  osie  of  our 
;ht  to  be  adjutant  M'Kinna, 
V  moments  before,  the  voice 


■■•Mfn 


115 

of  John  O'Neill  crying  out  in  words  to  tliis  el^(ec^, 
♦'  Damn  it  men  return,  we  can  certainly  beat  th» 
rascals  off."  1  was  however  deceived,  as  this 
otFicer  was  the  person  who  took  O'Neill  prisonec 
while  in  the  act  of  ititreating  the  militia  to  return.  ^ 
Not  knowing  at  that  time  O'Neill  u-as  taken  by 
him,  1  advanced  in  a  direction  towards  the  church 
on  my  way  to  the  magazine,  to  assist  in  carrying 
off  more  ammunition,  when  I  discovered  in  the 
front  of  the  chuich  a  file  of  marines.  To  the  best 
of  my  recollection  I  was  then  at  a  distance  of  from 
100  to  150  yards  from  the  officer  on  horseback* 
and  I  think  about  the  same  from  3  militia  men, 
when  this  officer  (said  to  be  Lieutenant  We'stfall) 
with  a  drawn  sword  in  his  hand,  it  being  the  only 
J^flg- he  carried,  cried  out  two  or  three  times',  "will 
you  surrender?"  one  of  the  militia  men  made  answer, 
but  what  it  was  I  could  not  distinctly  hear,  and 
immediately  fu'ed  on  him,  and  it  is  said  wounded 
him  in  the  hand.  Finding  it  impossible  to  reacti 
the  magazine,  the  marines  being  then  roUnd  the 
chui-ch,  which  was' corttiguous  to  it,  I  bent  my 
course  towards  Mrs.  Sears*  tavern  in  hopes  of 
finding  some  of  the  British  officers  there,  arid  by 
intreaty  to  save  some  of  the  private  property, 
which  I  was  fearful  would  be  destroyed.  On 
reaching  Mrs.  Sears'  sign  post,  I  found  the  first 
division  of  boats  had  just  reached  the  wharf,  and' 
two  large  guns  were  fired,  one  pf  whichthrew  a  ball 
on  the  roof,  and  knocked  off  some  shingles;  the 
firing  then  ceased,  when  two  other  gentlemen 
with  myself  advanced  on  the  wharf  and  asktd  for  ' 
the  commander  of  that  division  of  bdats.  A  perr 
son,  whom  1  supposed  to  be  a  midshipman  from  his 
appearance,  answered  "  Capt.  Lawiance  will  be 
here  directly;"  he  then  asked  aniimbiT  of  ques- 
tion?, sueh  as,  have  you' anj^ newspapers,  now- 

16    . 


n<f 

many  mUitia  have  you,  and  where  are  they  9*a- 
tTon/d  where  is  you?  post  office,  &c.  &c.  to  all  of 
S  we  carefully  avoided  giving  any  direct 
Iswer     Some  of  the  barges  then  warped  u^ 
X^side  of  the  wharf,  whin  1  thought  ,t  most, 
oraden   to  leave  them,  being  fearful  that  1  should 
TrnTde  a  prisoner.     I  then  walked  up  towards- 
the  ferry  house,  followed  by  the  two  gentlemen 
'^'ho  w^JIt  with  ie  on  the  wharf;  -  were  metby 
an  officer  who  immediately  ordered  us  bacjc.. 
Mefr^aching  the  lower  end  of  Ije  whar^  the 
midshipman  before  mentioned,  said.  Sir,  this  is 
S  ■  Lwrance,  pointing  to  the  officer;  Lawrance 
then  addressed  us  in  words  to  this  amount, "  what 
have  you  got  to  say  for  yourselves;  where  is  your 
mayor  or  chief  m/glsfate?"  He  was^  told  vve  had 
no  mayor,  and  that  there  was  no  magistrate  la 
"he  i^lai.  He  then  asked,  "are  you  prepared  to^ 
PAfifiom  the  town?"    I  asked  him  what  sum  he  dc  • 
Z^Xs%M^y>o^t  $  20,000.  We  told  b.m  np 
S^m  could  be  raised.    «  Why  then,"  lie  repli- 
ed  -did  you  fire  on  us-,  had  yon  not  done  that, 
and  hung  out  a  tlug  we  would  have  treated  you 
beltei"    1  then  asked  him  what  was  their  inten- 
tioti.  in  coming,  and  in  what  manner  they  would 
hafe  acted  had  a  flag  been  hung  out  on  their  ap- 
proachM'b  the  first  question  he ga*e  no  ans wet, 
but  after  a  short  pause  observed,  "  about  one  half 
the  sum  now  demanded  would  have  been  taken. 
Fte  was  then  told,  small  as  that  might  appear  to. 
him,  it  could  nbthavebeen  raised.    1  hen  says  he, 
turning  hastily  round,  «  Ui  three  quarters  of  an 
hour  your  town  shaU  be  in  flames;  you  shall  now 
feel  theeffi:ct«  of  war."    The  said  Capt.  Lawrance 
then  went  into  the  tavern  U  IVlrs.  Sears  and  with 
two  or  three  men  brought  o^'t  a  bale  or  box  ot 
goods,  (which  wail  said,  to  have  been  lodgpd  there 


I..  iWM 


■NOP 


s 

and  where  are  they  sta-- 
:  office,  &c.  &c.  to  all  of 
/ided  giving   any  direct 
barges  then  warped  up> 
when  I  thought  it  most* 
eing  fearful  that  1  should 
then  walked  up  towards- 
;d  by  the  two  gentlemen 
e  wharf,  we  were  met  by 
iately  ordered  us  back., 
er  end  of  the  wharf  the 
ntioned,  said.  Sir,  this  is 
g  to  the  officer;  Lawrance 
rds  to  this  amount, "  what 
yourselves;  where  is  your 
kte?"  He  was^  told  we  had 
lere  was  no  magistrate  n;*- 
d,  **are  you  prepared  to^ 
skcdhim  what  sum  hede- 
1 20,000.  We  told  him  ao 
d.    «  Why  then,"  lie  repli- 
usp  had  yoM  not  done  that,. 
;  would  have  treated  you 
lim  what  was  their  inten- 
what  manner  they  would 
aeen  hung  out  on  their  ap- 
uestlon  he  gave  no  answer, 
observed,  "  about  one  half 

I  would  have  been  taken  " 

II  as  that  might  appear  to^ 
leen  raised.    Then  says  he, 

'<  1*1  three  quarters  of  an 
le  ia^  flames;  you  shall  now 

The  said  Capt.  Lawrence 
:rn  ot"  Mrs.  Sears  and  with 
)ught  out  a  bale  or  box  of 
Uo  have  been  lodged  there 


117 

ihe  night  before,  belonging  to  a  lady  in  GeOi^)*^ 
town)  and  placed  a  few  paces  in  front  df  the  housef 
another  ofticer  (name  unknown)  entered  after- 
wards and  brought  out  a  second  box,  and  placed 
it  near  the  first.  Capt.  Lawrance  then  turned  to 
Jiim  and  said,  *'  Sir  1  have  placed  a  guard  here,  we 
fiiust  now  attend  to  other  business;  we  will  sec  to 
this,"  pointing  to  the  goods,  "  to  night."  The 
order  to  fire  the  houses  was  then  given,  and  Capt. 
Lawrance  walked  down  street  and  entered  the 
store  of  S.  Hogg  &  Co.,  the  door  of  which  had 
been  previously  broken  open,  and  a  few  men  were 
an  the  act  of  taking  off  wearing  apparel,  &c.,  others 
^ad  got  to  the  counting  room  desk  in  search  of 
money,  scattering  the  papers,  &c.  on  the  floor. 
The  shameful  act  of  pilfering  the  goods  was 
however  reserved  for  the  redoubtable  Capt.  Law 
Vance;  he  it  was  who  first  began  the  shameful 
ficene,  so  disgraceful  to  an  officer,  by  taking  down 
knives,  forks,  &c.  saying,  "ha!  the  very  thing  we 
want,"  and  turning  round  called  in  a  fresh  set  of 
plunderers,  and  said  "  boys  here  is  fine  plunder:" 
the  men  did  not  wait  a  second  invitation,  but  set 
in  with  their  worthy  leader,  and  in  a  short  time 
emptied  the  store,  excepting  some  articles  which 
were  of  little  value. 

WM.  T.  killpatrick:. 

p.  S.  When  I  found  that  Capt.  Lawrance 
ordered  his  men  in  the  store,  and  giye  the  order  to 
plunder,  I  vemonslrated  with  him  on  the  impro-; 
pricty  of  such  proceeding,  and  observed  that  with 
civHized  nations  at  war,  private  proi^rty  had 
always  been  respected.      He  replied  in  a  hasty 


manner,  ^'  you 


ought 


to  be  more  particular  m 


118    ' 

your  choice  of  representatives;  you  wanted  war. 
and  you  sha,ll  now  leel  the  effects." 

W.  T.  K. 

Sworn  to,  this  twenty-fifth  day  of  June,  lbl3, 
before 

ELIJAH  DAVI&; 


Personally  came  James  Wood,  of  Havre  de 
Grace,  before  me  the  sabscriber,  one  of  the  justices 
of  the  peace  for  Harford  county,  and  made  oath  ac- 
cording tt>  law^hat  on  Monday  morning  the  3d  of 
May,  1813,  between  day  light  and  sunrise,  as  he  was 
riding  in  the  town  of  Havre  de  GracR  he  discovered 
some  menvin  the  act  of  hauling  up  the  shore  a 
piece  of  artillery  that  had  been  mounted  on  the 
battery,  and  from  their  dress  and  the  dulncss  of 
the  morning,  he  took  them  to  be  Americans,  nor 
did  he  tliscover  his  mistake  until  he  was  made 
prisonef  and  compelled  to  dismount;  upon  which 
the  officer  commanding  the  British  immediately 
mounted  his  horse.     A  short  period  after,  he  • '.  as 
ordered  on  board  of  a  barge  in  company  with 
some  other  prisoners,  which  barge  was  moved  up 
to   Mrs.  Sears'  wharf,  in  company  with  other 
barges.     Some  short  time  he  discovered  a  house 
at  some  distance  from  the  water  to  be  on  fire; 
which  excited  eome  surprise,  (the  house  belonged 
to  Mr.  John  ^^Fucker)  he  observed  to  the  cock- 
swain of  the  boat,  there  was  a  house  on  fire,  and 
asked  him  if  he  did  not  suppose  it  to  be  set  on' fire 
by  a  rocket;  he  vepWed '' perhaps  it  might;"  di- 
rectly after,  J  saw  the  British  kindling  a  fire  in 
the  yard  of  Mrs.  Sears,  and  asked  them  for  what 
that  was  intended,  the  cockswain  answered  to  set 


i 


itives;  you  wanted  war 
J  effects." 

W.  T.  K. 

-fifth  day  of  June,  1813, 

ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


mes  Wood,  of  Havre  de 
briber,  one  of  the  justicps 
county,  and  made  oath  ac- 
onday  mornirig  the  3d  of 
ightand  sunrise,  as  he  was 
re  de  Grace  he  discovered 
f  h.auhng  up  the  shore  a 
lad  been  mounted  on  the 

dress  and  the  dulncss  of 
em  to  be  Americans,  nor 
stake  until  he  was  made 
to  dismount;  upon  which 
;  the  British  immediately 
short  period  after,  he  ".as 

barge  in  company  with 
iiich  barge  was  moved  up 

in  company  with  other 
ne  he  discovered  a  house 
the  water  to  be  on  fire; 
prise,  (the  house  belonged 
he  observed  to  the  cock- 
;  was  a  house  on  fire,  and 
suppose  it  to  be  set  on- fire 
I ''perhaps  it  might;"  di- 
British  kindling  a  fire  in 
and  asked  them  for  what 
'ockswain  answered  to  set 


119 


Uiai  house  on  fire;  I  then  asked  them,  why  you 
are  not  going  to  burn  the  building?  The  reply 
from  an  officer  on  board  the  same  barge   (and 
who,  I    believe,    had    not  been    on  shore)  was 
«  yes   Sir,  we  shall  lay  your  town  in  ashes;"  and 
in  a  few  minutes  I  saw  a  general  conflagration  of 
the  greater  part  of  the  best  buidings,  during  the 
time  I  remained  on  board,  which  was  until  a  very 
short  time  before  they  left  the  place.     1  saw  the 
officers  as  welt  as  men  in  small  squads  bringing  on 
board  the  barges  as  they  lay  at  wharf  plundered 
property  of  almost  every  description,  and  deposit- 
ing it;  during  the  time  an  officer  brought  on  board 
a  large  trunk  or  box,  and  calling  to  one  of  the  men 
said  ''  I  will  give  you  two  dollars  to  take  care  of 
this  for  me,  this  is  my  own  plunder,  this  was  a 
stage  passenger's  property,  and  therefore  is  wfjie.'' 
He  further  declares  that  he  has  no  knowledge  of 
any  flag  of  truce  being  held  out  by  the  Britislu 
nor  does  he  believe  there  was  any. 

JAMES  WOOD. 

Sworn  to,  this  twenty-fifth  day  of  June,  1813, 
before 

ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


Personally  came  Roxana  Moore,  before  me, 
the  subscriber,  one  of  the  justices  of  Hartford 
county,  state  of  Maryland,  and  made  oath  ac- 
cording to  law;  that  on  Monday  morning  the  3d 
6f  May,  in  consequence  of  the  firing  of  the  British 
into  the  town  of  Havre  de  Grace  1  fled  for  safety 
(my  husband  being  from  home)  into  the  cellar  of 
the  house  in  which  I  lived;  that  upon  the  firing 
having  stopt,  1  came  up,  and  meeting  an  officer  on 
horseback,  and  who  was  wounded  in  the  hand,  I 


! 


4 


t. 


361i^i>ii"t  lyS"'^^^^j^  ~ 


.iHi^ini' 


ISO 

applied  to  him  for  protection,  fearing  injury  froni 
some  of  the  men.     He  repUed,  "  1  will  not  hurt 
you,iM)rshall  mv  men,  but  I  will  burn  your  house. 
I  atiswtred  him  that  I  could  not  get  out  of  it  with 
n>v  little  children.    He  replied  "  then  I  will  burn 
your  house  with  you  and  your  children  in  it. 
•J'hey  proceeded  a  little  further,  a.id  after  having 
set  tire  to  my  neighbor  Richard  Mansfield's  tavern 
house,  a  number  of  them  returned  and  entered 
my  house  and  began  to  pillage  and  plunder.    1  hey 
took   the  whole   of   my   bed   doihes,   my   own 
clothes,   and    all    my    children's,    even  to    my 
youngest  child's,  a  baby  not  two  months  old,  to- 
getlier  vtith  my  crarf/ejiirnt/iire.  Upon  my  solicit- 
in<r  tliem  to  spare  me  some    few    things,  one 
replied  "  1  will  take  evqry  thin^  I  can,  its  what 
ue  came  for,"  and  immediately  seized  a  shawl  from 
around  my  neck,  and  which  was  at  that  time 
nearly  all  the  covering  my  little  baby,  whom  I 
held  in  my  arms,  had,  and  carried  it.aw-ay; they 
more  than  once  put  fire  to  the  house,  but  from  the 
exertions  of  some  of  my  neighbors  is  was  as  often 

put  out  4VT   . 

She  further  declares  that  she  never  saw  any 
fla-r  of  truce  held  out  by  the  British,  nor  doth  she 
believe  there  was  aoy.     j,^-^^  j^qoRE. 

Sworn  to,  this  twenty  fifth  day  of  June,  1813^ 
■'^'''"^^  ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


Personally  came  Richard  Mansfield,  a  citizen 
of  Hdv  rt'  (le  Grace,  before  the  subscriber,  one  of 
the  justices  of  the  peace  for  Harifard  County, 
Maryland,  and  made  oath  according  to  law;  th»t 


10 

tion,  fearing  injury  from 
pplied,  '•  1  will  not  hurt 
1 1  will  burn  your  house." 
uld  not  get  out  of  it  with 
•cplied  "  then  I  will  buin 
,nd  your  children  in  it." 
further,  and  after  having 
ichard  Mansfield's  tavern 
;m  rcturne'^  and  entered 
illage  and  plunder.   They 
t   bed    ddhes,   my   won 
children's,   even  to    my 
not  two  mouths  old,  to- 
rniture.  Upon  my  solicit- 
some    few    things,  one 
;ry  thing  I  can,  its  what 
liately  sciiscd  a  shawl  from 
which  was  at  that  time 
my  little  baby,  whom  I 
nd  carried  it  away;  they 
to  the  house,  but  from  the 
neighbors  is  was  as  often 

\  that  she  never  saw  any 
the  British,  nor  doth  she 

ROXANA  MOORE.   ,. 
y  fifth  day  of  June,  1813|' 

ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


ichard  Mansfield,  a  citizen 
ore  the  subscriber,  one  of 
ace  for  Hartford  county, 
alh  according  to  law;  tkiat 


•n  Monday  morning,  thf  3d  of  May.  I81.<?,  hclnff 
in  his  own  house  about  sunrise,  and  vie\nng  Me 
British  barges  as  they  came  up  the  river,  ti.ey 
keeping  up  a  continuai  firing  into  the  town,  un»'l 
they  reached  Mrs.  Seais'  wharf,  being  about  two 
hundred  yards  below  this  deponent's,  when  the 
firing  ceased;  they  then  landed,  and  as  well  as  he 
could  discover,  at  the  dit^tance  from  M'hich  he 
stood,  immediately  launched  a  24  pounder  on 
board  a  ferry  boat,  which  bilged  her,  as  sh»'  began 
to  settle  in  the  water  as  soon  as  they  moved  her 
out,  and  in  a  few  minutes  teent  down;  during  this 
time,  two  of  the  barges  kept  moving  slowly  up 
towards  this  deponent's,  and  as  soon  as  they  land- 
ed, a  petty  officer  ran  to  this  deponent's  ferry  boat 
and  called  out  "  there  is  nothing  in  her;"  **  cast 
her  off,"  was  the  reply,  which  was  instantly  done. 
This  deponent  and  his  son  being  at  this  time  on 
the  wharf,  discovered  a  British  officer  on  horse 
back  with  several  of  his  men  at  his  heels,  mak* 
ing  to  his  house,  upon  which  he  returned  and 
met  them  a  few  yards  in  front  of  his  house.  'JHiis 
oflicer  (whose  name  this  deponent  since  learned 
was  Lieutenant  Wcstfall,  and  who  was  wounded 
through  the  hand)  immediately  ordered  the  house 
to  be  set  on  fire.  This  deponent  remonstrated 
against  such  procedure,  urging  its  being  unprecc 
dented  among  civilized  nations  at  war,  to  burn 
axid  destroy  private  property;  that  when  nations 
were  at  war  all  public  property  became  fair  ob- 
jects of  destruction,  but  that  private  property  hatt 
neretofore  been  respected,  except  such  as  ».  jht 
unfortunately  be  injured  by  the  usual  and  custo 
mary  mode  of  warfare,  or  that  might  be  taken 
as  provisions.  His  reply  was  "  by  G — d  it  should 
be  burnt>"  This  deponent  and  a  Mr.  King  who 
came  with  the  officer,  solicited  for  the  moveable 


I 


■'\ 


t 
^ 


■-^^j-JV 


J^ 


r*- 


I 


I 


I  » 


m 


1£2 

property  that  was  in  i\vi  house,  it  being  fiirniturt,- 
stating  to  liim  that  that  was  this  deponent's  only 
dependence,  and  was  all  he  had.      He  replied  ge- 
nerally, by  ordering  his  men  to  burn.    iJuring  this 
convtVsiit'ion  the  men  were  in  the  house,  breaking 
and  destroying  every  thing  before  them.      Mr. 
King  !hen  begged  the  otlicer  for  one  hour,  saying 
that"  whatever  could  not  be  saved  in  that  time 
might  go.     The  olVicer's  reply  wa9,  '*  one  hour,  no 
hy^'O-— il.  not  five  minutes;    burn  that   house.^ 
imrmdiaielythey  commenced,  an^hadthe  dwell* 
ir)g  house  v>n  fire  in  four  different  places  in  a  few 
nimutes.     This  deponent, together  with  Mr.  King 
continued  to  solicit  for  permission  to  save  some 
furniture;  after  some  time,  Uvufenant  fVestfall  oh- 
served  "  you  may  save  what  you  can,  and  what 
y o. I  caii  save  shall  not  be  disturbed."    Exertions 
were  then  made  by  this  deponent,  his  son,  and 
Mr    King,  to  save  from  the  devouring  flames, 
which  pmved  successful  for  a  short  time;  but  u 
few  minutes  convinced  us  what  little  dependence 
was  to  be  placed  on  the  word  of  a  Britiih  oflicer, 
as  the  men  aided  by  officers,  carried  olV  what  had 
been   by   great   exertions  and  considerable  risk, 
saved  from  the    flames.     'I'he  ertemy  had  been 
busily  employed  breaking,  destroying,  and  carry- 
ing away,  until  the  tlames  got  to  such  height  as  to 
render  it  unsafe  to  go  within  the  walls.  They  then 
commenced  upoti  such  pro|)erty  as  this  deponent 
had  saved,   ctirrcing   off  evcy   poitabic   article, 
until  their  barges  were  stowed;  ripping  up  beds, 
tin-owing  the  feathers  to  the  air,  cutting  up  chairs, 
breaking  open  desks,  &c.  &c.  The  officer  who 
made  the  attack  on  a  walnut  desk,  refused  to  have 
it  unlocked,  but  after  breaking  open  the  hd  dis- 
covered the  inner  door,  exultingly  exdaimed,  ah! 
I  am  used  to  such  thing*,  or,.  I  am  acquainted 


vz 


louse,  it  being  fiirniturt,- 
vas  this  tirpoiient's  only 
le  had.  lie  replied  ge- 
en  to  bum.  iJuiing  thia 
■e  in  the  house,  breaking 
ng  before  them.  Mr. 
cer  for  one  hour,  saying 
;  be  saved  in  that  time 
epiy  wag,  "  one  hour,  no 
tt's;  6i*rn  that  house." 
need,  an4had  the  dwell- 

different  places  in  a  few 
,  together  with  Mr.  King 
•ermission  to  save  some 
,  Livuienant  fVestfall  obr 
'hut  you  can,  and  what 
e  disturbed."     Exertions 

deponent,  his  son,  and 
I  the   devoujing  flames, 

for  a  short  time;  but  u 
J  what  little  dependence 
rt  ord  of  a  Brkiili  oflicer, 
ers,  carried  olV  what  had 
s  and  considerable  risk, 
The  erteniy  had  been 
r,  destroying,  and  carry- 
is  got  to  such  height  as  to 
Lhin  the  walls.  They  then 
iroperty  as  this  deponent 
i  eve<y  poitablc  article, 
jtowed;  ripping  up  beds, 
the  air,  cutting  up  chaiis, 
X.  &c.  I'lie  o£iciii'  who 
Inut  desk,  refused  to  have 
reakiiig  open  the  lid  dis- 
exultingly  exclaimed,  ah! 
igs.  or,  I  am  acquainted 


^^^^^^^B 


123 


with  opening  desks;  or  some  expression  to  thai 
ain.mnt,  and  immediately  broke  it  o|M'n  and  con- 
tinued his  search  as  if  for  money.  After  having 
destroyed  and  can  ii-d  olV  nearly  the  whole  of  this 
deponent's  pi opii ty,  and  seeing  the  buildings  burnt 
dorin,  they  moved  down  to  Mrs.  Sears'  wharf 
and  joined  ilie  other  barged.  This  deponent  was 
then  advised  by  some  of  his  friends  to  apply  to 
some  of  the  ollicers  and  endeavor  to  get  some  of 
his  property  back,  which  he  did,  but  found  such 
obstacles  in  the  way,  that  after  getting  a  looking 
glass,  and  some  two  or  three  articles  of  small 
value,  he  gave  it  up;  but  upon  meeting  the  Ad- 
miral in  fHirson,  he  renewed  his  application,  and 
after  some  time,,  was  directed  to  go  on  board  and 
get  what  he  could;  this  deponent  then  stated  the 
impossibility  of  succeeding,  without  an  oflficer  to 
accompany  him — An  oflicer  was  sent,  but  after  re- 
peated attempts  to  get  some  of  his  property,  he 
was,  from  the  abuse  and  threats  of  being  rii;i 
through  wUk  a  sword,  fi-om  an  officer  of  marines, 
for.  claiming  his  pro[jerty,  com[M*iled  to  decline 
any  further  exertions,  after  getting  another  look- 
ing glass  and  a  few  more  very  trifling  articles. 

This  deponent's  obsei  vations  being  conflned  to 
his  own  house  and  its  immediate  neighborhood, 
which  was  at  the  upper  end  of  the  village,  he  was 
not  an  eye  witness  to  their  savage  like  conduct 
generally.  One  dwellii/g  house  and  grocery  store, 
the  property  of  Mr.  George  Bartoll,  which  stood 
a  few  rods  below,  and  in  front  of  this  deponent's, 
he  saw  the  enemy  plundering  and  breaking  every 
thing  to  pieces,  and  ended  by  setting  it  on  fire  and 
burning  it  doxen;  a  number  of  houses  were  sit  on 
fiie  that  were  not  consumed;  a  number  they  only 
robbed  and  broke  the  doors  and  window  s,  among 
the  latter  was  the  church,  in  which  not  one  suK- 

17 


■JL. 


r 


184 

tdry  window  was  loft  whole.    During  the  time  this 
deponent  was  on  Mrs.  Sears'  wharf,  and  on  board 
tht-  barges,  he  solicited  for  the  prisoners,  citizens 
of  the  town,  to  he  set  at  hberty,  naming  those  that 
he  immediately  saw  and  knew;  among  whom 
was  James  Seal's  a  youth  of  about  seventeen,  and 
John   O'Neal,  a  naturalized   Irishman,  both   ol 
whom  were  in  the  most  positive  manner  refused; 
and  as  soon  as  0'Neal'&  i.ame  was  mentioned,  the 
oftker  to  whom  the  application  was  made,  replied 
no!  swearing  he  would  have  O'Neal  hung  if  he 
could.      O'Neal  has   since  been   discharged   on 
parole.    This  deponent  declares  he  has  no  know- 
ledge of  any  flag  of  truce  being  sent  by  the  Bri- 
tish, nor  does  he  believe  there  was  any. 

R.  MANSFIELD. 

Su  orn  to,  this  twenty-fifth  day  of  June,  1813. 

before 

ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


No.  8. 


Massacre  and  burnitifr  of  American  prisoners 
surrendered  to  officers  of  Great  Britain^  by 
Indians  in  the  liritish  strvice.  Abandon- 
ment of  the  remains  of  Americans  killed 
in  battle  or  murdered  after  the  surrender  to 
the  British.  The  pillage  and  shooting  of 
American  citizens  and  the  burning  of  their 
houses  after  surrender  to  the  British,  under 
the  guar  afitee  of  protection. 

Extract  of  a  letter  fiom  Augustus  B.  Wood%ard^ 
Esquire,  to  General  Procter. 

"  Detroit,  February  2d,  1813. 
"  They  [the  inhabitants  of  Michigan]  have 
entertained  a  constant  apprehension  that  when  the 


i 

lie.    Piiring  the  time  this 
iirs'  wharf,  and  oil  board 
r  the  prisoners,  citizenB 
IxMty,  naming  Ihost* that 
J  knrw;  among  whom 
of  about  seventeen,  and 
ized    irishman,  both   of 
positivt!  manner  refused; 
lanu-  was  mentioned,  the 
cation  was  made,  rephed 
»ave  O'Neal  hung  if  he 
ice  been   discharged   on 
eclares  he  has  no  know- 
:v  being  sent  by  the  Bri- 
here  was  an  v. 

R.  MANSFIELD. 
fifth  day  of  June,  1813. 

ELIJAH  DAVIS. 


of  American  prisoners 
rs  of  Great  Brit  tint  by 
ish  strvice.  Abandon^ 
IS  of  Amvricans  killed 
i  after  the  surrender  to 
btllage  and  shooting  of 
nd  the  burning  of  their 
er  to  the  British,  under 
)tection. 

Augmtus  B.  Wood%ard^ 
neral  Procter. 
(etroit,  February  2d,  1813. 
itants  of  Michigan]  have 
(prehension  that  when  the 


125 


American  forces  approach  the  territory,  and  when 
an  eiigagrmciit  has  taken  phue,  tlie^  fury  of  the 
savage  mind  at  the  night  of  blood,  and  in  reflect- 
ing on  the  dead  they  lose,  and,  perhaps  on  the  re- 
taliatory treatment  of  prisoners,  or  of  the  dead, 
which  their  cruel  mt^de  of  warfare  is  always 
likely  to  produce,  migi.t  drive  them  to  an  ignoble 
revenge  on  the  prisoners  they  find  in  the  country, 
and  the  inhabitants  of  if,  who  are  American  citi- 
zens. They  therefore  pr<  ssed  this  subject  on  your 
attention  previous  to  the  battle  of  the  22d  of 
January.  1813;  and  felt  satisfied  with  y(>ur  assu- 
rance that  you  considered  your  own  honor  pledged 
for  their  elk'ctual  pr»)tection. 

"  Since  the  result  of  that  battle,  facts  arc  before 
their  faces  which  they  cannot  shut  Ihcir.eyes  upon. 
Some  of  them  are,  perhaps,  unknown  to  yourself, 
I  will  enumerate  some  which  I  believe  there  will 
be  no  dilliculty  in  establishing  beyond  the  reach 
of  contradiction. 

*'  First,  Some  of  the  prisoners,  after  tl  e  capitula- 
tion of  the  22d  of  January,  1813,  have  Ljen  toma- 
hawked by  the  savages. 

"  Second.  Some  of  the  prisoners,  after  that 
capitulation,  have  been  shot  by  the  savages. 

"  Third.  Some  of  the  prisoners,  alter  that  capi- 
tulation, have  been  burnt  by  the  savages. 

"  Fourth.  Some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  citizens  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  aftei'  the  capitulation,  have  been  shot  by 
the  savage?. 

''  Filth.  The  houses  of  some  of  the  inhabitants, 
of  the  territory,  American  citizens,  after  the  capi- 
tulation, have  been  burnt  bv  the  savages. 

"  Sixth.  Some  of  the  mhabitants,  American 
citizens,  after  the  capitukition,  have  been  pillaged 
by  the  savages." 


iW 


,  r^tStf^t^ttg^i 


^w 


12t) 

A.  W.  M'Lean,  Esquire,  io  Mr.  Woodward. 
Sandwich,  9th  February,  1813. 

SIR, 

You  will  have  the  goodness  to  appoint  a  day 
for  the  purpose  of  adducing  before  Col.  Procter 
such  proofs  as  you  may  have,  to  substantiate  the 
assertions  in  your  letter  to  him,  relative  to  the 
slaughter  of  the  enemy's  sick  and  wounded,  on 
the  !ii2d  of  January  last. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 
(Signed)  A-  W.  MLEAN,  Aid-de-camp. 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Woodward  io  Gene  • 
ral  Procter. 
"  Sandwich,  February  10th,  18)3. 

"  I  had  the  honor  to  receive  on  the  third 
day  of  this  month,  a  verbel  message  from  you, 
communicated  to  me  by  Major  Muir,  requesting 
me  to  procure  some  evidence  of  the  massacre  of 
the  American  prisoners,  on  the  23d  day  of  Janua- 
ry last. 

"  I  met  with  only  a  few  persons  at  Detroit 
who  are  inhabitants  of  the  river  Raisin,  nor  was 
it  altogether  a  pleasant  ^ask  to  those,  to  relate  in 
these  times,  the  scenes  they  have  beheld.  Some 
of  them,  however,  appeared  before  a  magistrate, 
and  I  send  you  copies  of  what  they  liave  stated. 
It  will  occur  to  you,  Sir,  immediately,  that  what 
any  of  them  state  on  the  information  of  others, 
though  not  direct  evidence  in  itself,  leads  to  the 
source  where  it  may  be  obtained. 

"  In  communicating  your  message,  Major  Muir 
added  something  having  relation  to  American  ci' 
tizens,  who  might  be  willing  to  take  the  oath  to 
the  tying. ^ 


!r.  fVoodward. 

February,  1813. 

to  appoint  a  day 
ifore  Col.  Procter 
3  substantiate  the 
1,  relative  to  the 
ind  wounded 


on 


tc. 


"J,  Aid-de-camp. 


jodward  to  Gene- 

ruary  lOlh,  1813. 

eive  on  the  third 
lessage  from  you, 
r  Muir,  requesting 
f  the  massacre  of 
33d  day  of  Janua- 

jcrsons  at  Detroit 
r  Ruisin,  nor  was 
those,  to  relate  in 
ve  beheld.  Some 
efore  a  magistrate, 
they  have  stated, 
diately,  that  what 
rmation  of  others, 
tself,  leads  to  the 
d. 

ssage,  Major  Muir 
n  to  American  ci' 
0  take  the  oath  to 


127 

"  It  will  be  obvious  to  you,  Sir,  that  in  a  siate 
of  open  and  declared  war,  a  subject  or  citizen  of 
one  party,  cannot  transfer  his  allegiance  to  the 
other  party,  without  incurring  the  penalties  of 
treason;  and,  while  nothing  can  e.\cuse  his  o-uijt, 
so,  neither  are  tho.se  innocent  who  lay  temptation 
before  him. 

"  The  principles  adopted  by  the  United  States 
on  the  subject  of  cx{>atriiition,  aie  liberal,  but  are 
perfectly  inapplicable  to  a  public  enemy  in  time 
of  war. 

"Some  of  the  French  inhabitants  of  the  terri- 
tory of  Michigan,  citizens  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  have  been  much  urged  on  this  subject, 
and  <irc  apprehensive  of  being  furth^-r  troubled.  ' 

•'I  had  the  further  honor  of  receiving,  on  the 
eighth  instant,  your  vcrbel  message  by  your  aid- 
de-camp  Mr.  M'Lean,  acquainting  me  that  there 
was  no  capitulation  on  the  22d  of  January,  and 
that  the  prisoners  surrendered  at  discielion. 

"  I,  tiKTefore,  beg  pardon  for  that  mistake. 

"  The  principles,  however,  of  the  law  of  nations, 
impose  an  obligation  almost  equally  stron'^" 


No    XXV. 
TRANSLATION. 


I 


ss 


Territory  of  Michigan, 
district  of  Detroit, 

Personally  appeared  before  me,  the  under- 
signed, one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  in  the  dis- 
trict of  Detioit,  Joseph  Robert,  an  inhabitant  on 
river  aux  Raisins,  who  being  duly  sworn  on  the 
Holy  Evangelists,  deposes  and  says;  that  on  the 
next  day  after  the  battle  on  the  said  river  Raisins, 
a  short  time  after  sunrise,  he  saw  the  Inclians  kill 


i 


d 


M 


128 

Ihe  American  prisoners,  with  their  tomahawks, 
and  that  tliey  shot  several,  to  wit,  three:  that  the 
Indians  set  the  house  on  fire,  and  that  'n  going 
out,  the  prisoners  were  massacred  and  killed  as 
aforesaid,  that  is  to  say:  three  were  shot,  the  others 
were  killed  in  the  houses,  and  burnt  with  the 
houses     The   Indians  burnt  first  the  house  of 
Jean  Baptiste  Joipaume,  and  afterwards  that  ot 
Gabriel  G  .direy,  ir.    The  deponent  has  been  m- 
formed  that  tliere  were  about  forty  eight  or  forty- 
nine  prisoners  in  the  two  houses.    The  d.ponent 
has  seen  dead  bodies  on  the  highway,  which  the 
hogs  were  tearing  and  eating.     Mr.  Brunot  told 
the  deponent  that  the  Indians  had  killed  those  ot 
the  prisoners  who  were  least  wounded,  and  that 
the  others  were  burnt  alive. 

Antoine  Cuiellarie  and  Alexis  Salhot,  inhabi- 
tants of  river  Ecorces,  told  the  deponent  that  two 
prisoners  had  been  burnt  in  the  house  of  Grandon, 
on  the  river  aux  Sables.  The  deponent  has  heard 
that  the  Jndians  had  tore  out  the  hearts  of  the 
prisoners,  and  had  brought  them  still  smoaking 
into  the  houses,  but  d\d  not  recollect  the  names  of 
the  informants;  he  believes,  however,  they  were 
men  worthy  of  credit. 

The  deponent  says  further,  that  after  the  first 
action  on  the  river  Raisin,  the  Indians  fired  on  one 
named  Solo,  son  in  law  to  Siepheri  Labeau,an  in- 
habitant on  the  river  aux  Sables,  when  returning 
from  the  house  of  Grandon  to  his  father-in-law;  on 
his  arrival,  he  hallooed  to  his  father-in-law  to 
open  the  door,  saying  that  he  was  mortally  wour.d- 
ed;  Stephen  Labeau  opened  the  door  and  toid  his 
son  in-law  to  throw  himself  on  his  bed,  but  that  in 
.  trying  to  move  he  fell  dead.  An  Indian  knocked 
at  the  door,  and  Lebeau  having  opened  it,  received 
a  bull  ai  his  breast,  and  fell  dead.      The  son  ot 


-     r  g* 


their  tomahawks, 
wit,  three:  th.it  the 
,  and  that  in  going 
icred  and  killed  as 
rare  shot,  the  others 
id  burnt  with  the 
tirst  the  house  of 
afterwards  that  of 
3oncnt  has  been  in- 
Ibrtyeight  or  forty- 
ses.    The  d(  ponent 
ighway.  which  the 
Mr.  Brunot  told 
i  had  killed  those  of 
wounded,  and  that 

lexis  Salliot,  inhabi- 
e  deponent  that  two 
le  house  of  Grandon, 
;  deponent  has  heard 
it  the  hearts  of  the 
hem  still  smoaking 
collect  the  names  of 
lowever,  they  were 

•,  that  after  the  first 

;  Indiansfiredonone 

'pht  ri  Labeau,an  in- 

bles,  when  returning 

his  father-in-law;  on 

his  father-in-law  to 

was  mortally  wour.d- 

he  door  and  toid  his 

in  his  bed,  but  that  in 

An  Indian  knocked 

Lig  opened  it,  received 

dead.      The  son  of 


1£9 

Lebeau  made  his  escape;  the  Indians  shot  several 
shots  at  him  which  did  not  reach  him. 

The  deponent  says  further,  that  Batiste  Coutenr 
was  killed  near  the  house  of  the  deponeit,  on  tlie 
day  of  the  second  battle  on  the  river  Raisin,  a 
little  after  sunrise. 

The  deponent  says  further,  that  the  Indians 
have  often  threatened  to  burn  his  house  and  barn. 
It  he  did  not  march  with  them  against  the  Ame- 
ricans.  The  deponent  says  lie  is  art  American 
citizen. 

I'he  deponent  says  that  several  of  his  neighbors 
have  told  him  that  they  had  received  the  same 
threat.  Other  settlements  have  been  thieutened 
with  fire.  The  mills  and  houses  on  the  river  aux 
Roches  were  burnt  in  the  montli  of  September 
last,  after  the  capitulation  of  Detroit.  And  further 
this  deponent  said  not. 

JOSEPH  ROBERT. 

Sworn  and  subscribed  before  me,  the  4th  Fe- 
bruary, 1813. 

PETER  AUDRAIN,  J.  P.  D.  D. 


No.  XXVI. 


ss 


Territoipr  of  Michigan,   ) 
district  of  Detroit,      3 

Be  it  remembered  that  on  this  day,  Februa- 
ry the  fourth,  A.  D.  orie  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  thirteen,  personally  came  before  the  under 
signed,  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  the  district  alore^ 
said,  viz:  John  M'Donnell,  an  inhabitant  of  the 
city  of  Detroit,  who  after  being  duly  sworn  upon 
the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almigiitv  God,  deposeth 
and  saith;  that  a  few  days  alter  the  battle  of  th<: 


11 


*^f 


:S 


V 


130 

22d  January  last,  (at  the  river  Raisin)  he   was 
personally  im- cut  at  the  house  ot   .lamc^  May, 
e'^quire.  wlvn  he  heard  the  said  James  May  ask 
Mr.   William  Jones,  the  acting  agent  tor  the  In- 
dian Department,  if  there  would  be  any  mipro- 
nrietv  in  purchasing  the  prisoners  trom   the   In- 
dians and  that  he  heard  the  said  William  Jones 
say  "that  he  thought  there  would  be  no  unpropnc- 
ty  in  purchasing  them,  but  would  not  undertake 
to  authorise  any  person  to  do  so;"  that  m  conse- 
quence of  which,  this  deponent  purchased   three 
or  four  of  the  prisoners,  amongst  tlie  number  was 

one  by  the  name  of lliimilton,  a  private  in 

the  Kentucky  volunteers,  who  declared  to  this 
deponent  that  on  the  tirst  or  second  day  after  the 
battle  at  river  Raisi.i,  on  22d  January  last,  as  he 
and  some  of  his  fellow  prisoners  were  marching 
with  the  Indians  between  this  place  and  river 
Raisin,  they  came  up  to  where  one  o!  the  prison- 
ers was  burnt,  the  life  just  expiring,  and  an  In- 
dian kicking  the  ashes  off  his  back,  saying 
"  damned  Sv)n  of  a  bitch."  ^ 

This  deponent  also  further  deposeth  as  alore- 
said,  that  Doct  -r  l^osvers,  a  surgeon's  mate  ot   the 
Kentucky  volunteers,  who  was  purchased  by  him 
and  some  other  gentlemen,  stated  to  this  deponent 
"  that  he  was  left  to  take  care  of  the  wounded 
after  the  battle,   b.it  feit  rather  timul  on  account 
of  the  savag<s,  but  that  he  received  such  assu- 
rances from'Capt.  or  Col.  l<:iliott,  ot  the  satety  of 
himself  as  well  as  the  remaining  prisoners,  he 
concluded  to  stay,  as  sleighs  were  promised  to  be 
sent  to  fetch  th^-m  away  the  n.xt  mornuig;  that 
near  about  day   light  of   the  morning  iollowing 
the  day  of  tlio  battle,  the  Indians  came  into  the 
house  whei-e  said   Bowers   was    with  the  other 
yrisoners,  and  proceeded  to  plunder  and  tomahawk 


T  Raisin)  he   was 
5e  of  Jamcsi  May, 
id  James  May  ask 
g  agent  for  the  In- 
fld  be  any  impro- 
ncrs  fiom   the   In- 
iaid  William  .loncs 
lid  be  no  impropiie- 
)uld  not  undertake 
so;"  that  in  conse- 
nt purchased   three 
orst  tl'.e  number  was 
imilton,  a  private  in 
10   declared  to   this 
ixond  day  aftiT  the 
January  last,  as  he 
lers  were  marching 
his   place  and  river 
;  one  of  the  prison- 
ipirino-,  and  an  In- 
liis    back,    saying 

r  deposeth  as  afore- 
irgeon's  mate  of  the 
as  purchased  by  him 
alcd  to  this  deponent 
ire  of  the  wounded 
KM-  timid  on  account 
received  such  as^su- 
lott,  of  the  safety  of 
aining  prisoners,  he 
were  promised  to  be 
;  ntxt  morning;  that 
;  morning  following 
idians  came  into  the. 
was  with  the  other 
under  and  tomahawk 


mi 

such  as  could  not  walk,  and  stripping  the  said 
Bowers,  and  the  wounded  prisoners  oT"  all  their 
clothes;  that  whil'"  the  said  llnxvprs  and  two  other 
prisoners,  named  bearls  and  Bradford,  as  near  as 
this  deponent  can  recollect,  were  sitting  by  the 
fire  in  the  Indian  camp,  an  Indian  came  up  who 
appeared  to  be  drunk,  and  called  the  said  Searls. 
as  near  as  this  deponent  can  recollect,  a  Madison 
or  Washhiirtou,  then  took  up  a  tomahawk  and 
struck  the  said  Svarls  on  the  shoulder;  that  the 
said   Searls  caught   hold  of  the  tomahawk  and 
held  it  for  some  time;  that  the  said  Bowtrs  advised 
the  said  Searls  to  sulimit  to  his  fate;  with  that  the 
Indian  gave  him  a  second  blow  on  the  head,  killed, 
scalped,  and  stript  him;  during  this  time  the  said 
Bowers  and  Bradford  wevc  personally  present,  and 
being  apprehensive  for  their  own  safety,  that  he, 
Bowers,  ran  and  came  up  to  (he  old  ciiief  (who 
sold  him  to  this  deponent  and  others)  who  took 
him  under  his  protection,  and  was  very  kind  to 
him  whilst  he  remained   uith  him     This   depo- 
nent   further   deposeth,    that  he    has   reason  to 
believe  the  aforesaid  Bowers  and  Hamilton,  are 
now  at  Sandwich,  and  if  applied  to,  they  could 
give  more  ample  information  relative  to  the  par- 
ticulars  of  the   aforesaid.     And  further  this  de- 
ponent sayeth  not. 

J.  M'DONELU 

Sworn  and  subscribe!  at  my  chambers,  in  the 
city  of  Detroit,  the  day  and  year  before  written. 

.TAMES  MAY,  J.  R  D.  !> 
18 


II 


-«,",'  '  •  "J' 


132 

Appurtenances  to  No.  xxvk 

No.  1. 

Note  from  Mr.  John  M'Donell,  to  James  May, 

Esquire. 

Detroit,  4th  February,  1813. 

^^  I  had  a  conversation  with  Mr.  Smart,  after 
leaving  your  house  to  day,  who  had  a  conversa- 
tion lith  Bowers  and  Bradford.  He  observes 
that  I  have  made  several  material  errors  m  my 
affidavit  before  you  this  day.  He  says  the  prison- 
er  killed  was  of  the  name  of  Blytiie,  instead  d 
Seabls;  and  mentioned  some  other  errors  that 
differ  widely  from  what  1  have  sworn  to,  so  that 
I  think  it  is  a  pity  that  Bowers  and  Bradford  s 
own  affidavits  could  not  be  had,  instead  of  mirte. 

Yours, 

J.  M'DONELL. 

Jamea  May,  Esquire. 


No.  2. 
Note  from  Mr.  M'Donell  to  Mr.  Lyons  his  clerk. 

I  wish  you  to  mention  to  judge  Woodward 
that  application  is  made  for  me  by  a  friend  on  the 
other  side,  to  remain  till  the  navigation  opens. 
On  that  account  I  hope  that  he  will  keep  back 
the  deposition  that  I  have  made  regarding  the 
murders  committed  by  the  savages  on  the  river 
Raisin,  as  he  has  much  better  testimony  to  sub- 
stantiate facts  than  what  1  i^ave  sworn  to  on  hear- 
say, and  as  I  am  sure  if  the  colonel  was  even 
disposed  to  hear  my   application,  that  aftidavit 


ro  No.  XXVI. 


nell,  lo  James  May, 


it,  4th  February,  1813. 

/ith  Mr.  Smart,  after 
,vho  had  a  conversa- 
dford.  He  observes 
laterial  errors  in  my 
'.  He  says  the  prison- 
f  Blytiie,  instead  of 
ime  other  errors  that 
,ve  sworn  to,  so  that 
iwers  and  Bradford's 
had,  instead  of  mirtev 
irs 
(.  M'DONELL. 


Mr.  Lyons  his  clerk. 

to  judge  Woodward 
me  by  a  friend  on  the 
the  navigation  opens, 
lat  he  will  keep  back 
made  regarding  the 
;  savages  on  the  river 
ter  testimony  to  sub- 
lave  sworn  to  on  hear- 
Ihe  colonel  was  even 
ilication,  that  affidavit 


* 


133 

will  be  enough  to  send  me  off;  or  else  if  I  was  al- 
lowed to  remain,  Elliott  would  set  the  Indians  on 
me. 


No.  XXVII. 
TRANSLATION. 


ss 


Territory  of  Michigan, 
District  of  Detroit, 

Personally  appeared  before  me,  the  under- 
signed, one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  in  the  dis- 
trict of  Detroit,  Antoine  Boulard,  of  the  river  aux 
Raisins,  who  being  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists^ 
deposeth  and  says,  that  on  the  next  day  after  the 
last  battle  on  river  aux  Raisins,  he  saw  the  Indians 
kill  the  secretary  of  the  American  General,  whp 
was  on  the  horse  of  the  Indian  who  had  taken 
him  prisoner,  with  a  rifle  shot;  that  the  prisoner 
fell  on  one  side,  and  an  Indian  came  forward  with 
a  sabre,  finished  him,  scalped  him,  strip^  him,  and 
carried  away  his  clothes.  The  body  remained 
two  days  on  the  high- way,  before  the  door  of  the 
deponent,  was  part  eat  up  by  the  hogs.  After- 
wards, the  deponent,  together  with  Francois  Las- 
selle,  Hubert  Lacroix,  Chas.  Chovin,  and  Louis 
La  joye,  took  up  the  corpse  at  dusk  of  the  evening, 
and  carried  it  into  a  held  near  the  woods,  where 
hogs  did  not  go.  They  dared  not  to  bury  it 
for  fear  of  being  surprised  oy  the  Indians.  And 
further  this  deponent  sayeth  not. 

ANTOINE  (his  X  mark)  BOULARD. 

Sworn  a  id  subscribed  in  my  presence,  the  5th 
February,  1813. 

PETER  AUDRAIN,  J.  P,  p.  D, 


H 


131 

No.  xxvm. 

I  hereby  ccntify,  that  the  next  day  a'"ter  the 
last  battle  on  the  river  aux  Raisins,  the  secretary 
of  the  American  General  was  taken  near  the  door 
of  the  deponent,  was  wounded  and  placed  on  a 
horse;  that  seven  or  eight  Indians  weie  near  the 
house,  one  of  whom  shot  him  in  the  head  with  a 
rifle;  that  he  did  not  fall  olfhis  horse  until  another 
Indian,  drawing  a  sabre,  struck  him  on  the  head 
several  times,  and  then  he  fell  to  the  ground,  wa* 
scalped  and  stript  of  his  clothes,  and  left  on  the 
road,  where  he  remained  one  day  and  a  half;  I, 
the  deponent,  with  Francois  Lasselle,  Hubert  La- 
croix,  and  Louis  Chovin,  on  the  evening  of  the  se- 
cond day,  took  up  the   body,   carried  it  to  the 
skirts  of  the  woods,  and  covered  it  with  a  few 
branches,  but  could  not  stay  to  bury  it,  for  fear 
of  the  Indiana  that  were  in  the  neighborhood; 
and  on  the  next  day  after  the  lust  battle  I  was 
near  the  house  of  Gabriel  Godfroy,  jr.  and  the 
house  of  Ijean  Batiste  Jereaumo,  where   a  great 
number  of  prisoners  were  collected;  and  that   1 
heard  the  screaming  of  the  prisoners  whom  the 
Indians  wei-e  tomahawking;  that  the  savages  set 
the  houses  on  lire  and  went  oft'. 

Detroit,  5  Februanj,  1813. 

LOUIS  (his  y,  mark)  BERNARD 

dit  Lajoye. 


No.  XXIX. 

I  certify,  that  the  bodies  of  the  Americans 
kill!  d  at  the  battle  of  la  riviere  aux  Raisins,  of 
the  twenty-tecond  of  January  last,  remain  un- 


next  day  a'ter  the 
isins,  the  secretary 
aken  near  the  door 
i  and  pbced  on  a 
ians  were  near  the 

in  the  head  with  a 
horse  until  another 
k  him  on  the  head 
to  the  ground,  was 
:s,  and  ielt  on  the 
day  and  a  half;  I, 
iasselle,  Hubert  La- 
le  evening  of  the  se- 
y,  carried  it  to  the 
ered  it  with  a  few 

to  bury  it,  for  fear 

the  neighborhood; 
he  last  battle  I  was 
odfroy,  jr.  and  the 
mo,  where  a  great 
illected;  and  that  1 
M'isoners  whom  the 
that  the  savages  set 
V. 


lark)  BEHNAKD 
dit  Liijoye. 


es  of  the  Americans 
if're  aux  Uaisins,  of 
ry  last,  remain  un- 


buried;  and  that  I  have  seen  the  hags  and  dogs 
eating  them. 

The  hogs  appear  to  be  rendered  mad  by  so 
profuse  a  diet  of  christian  flesh. 

I  saw  the  houses  of  Mr.  Gdromc  and  Mr.  God 
froy,  on   fire,  and  have  heard  that  tliere  were 
prisoners  in  them. 

The  inhabitants  did  not  dare  to  bury  the  dead 
on  account  of  the  Indians. 

The  inhabitants  have  been  threatened  by  the 
Indians,  if  they  did  not  take  up  arms  against  the 
Americans. 

Michigan,  February  6th,  1813.- 
(Signed) 

ALEXIS  (hisx  mark)  LABADIE. 


No.  XXX. 

This  is  to  certify,  that  on  or  about  the  twenty 
eighth  day  of  January  last  past,  an  U\dh\n  woman 
came  to  my  dwelling  house,  on  the  river  Rouge, 
and  informed  me  that  on  the  morning  of  that  day. 
an  American  prisoner  had  been  killed  in  the  In- 
dian camp,  and  the  reason  she  assigned  for  killing 
him,  was,  because  he  had  expressed  an  iiatred  fon 
the  Indians. 

Detroit,  8th  Ftbruanj,  18\3. 

ROBERT  ABBOTT. 


No.  XXXI 


Territory  of  Micliigaii,   ') 
\i  Delroit,       5 


scilicet. 


District  ot 

Personally  appeared   before  me,  the  sub- 
scriber, one  ot  the  jttsticps  of  the  pptifc  in  tlir  s;iid 


18# 

district,  Aaron  Thomas,  and  Agnes  Thomas,  hit* 
wile,  who  both  made  oath  on  the  Holy  Evange- 
lists of  Almighty  God.  that  thr  Indians  have  tak- 
en from  them,  from  the  house  of  Mr.  Aitvvatcr, 
on  the  I6th  of  August,  1812,  one  chintz  govyn, 
valued  seven  and  a  half  dollars;  one  calico  gown, 
valued  three  dollars  seventy-five  < ,  nts;  one  caU- 
manco  petticoat,  value  four  dollai  ,  one  pair  of 
cotton  stockings,  one  dollar  fifty  cents;  one  pair  of 
woollen  stockings,  scventy-five  cents;  one  pair  ol 
Silk  gloves,  one  dollar  fifty  cents;  one  new  sma« 
trunk,  two  dollars;  one  pocket  book,  two  dollars; 
thread,  one  dollar;  needles,  fifty  cents;  one  shawl, 
one  dollar;  one  cambric  handkerchief,  seventy  hve 
cents;  one  cotton  ditto,  sixty  two   and  one  halt 
cents;  one  shift,  one  dollar;  three  fourths  of  a  pound 
of  pepper,    fifty   cents;   one  cake   of  chocolate, 
twenty  five  cents;  one  fan,  fifty  cents;  one  blanket, 
three  dollars;  one  cloak,  ten  dollars;  three  yards 
of  check  cotton,  ninety  three  and  three-lourths 
cents;  one  shawl,  one  dollar;   one  flannel  loose 
eown,  three  dollars.      On  the  tweltth  September, 
taken  on  river  Uouge,  one  chesnut  sorrel  horse, 
fifty  dollars,  saddle^nd  bridle,  ten  dollars.     On 
Friday,  the  eleventh  September,  taken  on  nver 
Rouge,  one  other  saddle,  eight  dollars;  one  pair 
father  leading  lines,  two  dollars  fifty  cents;  leading 
lines,  seventy-fivo  cents;  one  axe,  two  dollars  lilty 
cents;  chinl/  patches,  two  dollars. 

Sworn  before  me,  at  my  chambers,   17th  Sep- 
tember, 1812. 

(Signed)     PETIUI  AVDRAIN,J.  P-  D.  D- 


gnes  Thomas,  his 
the  Holy  Kvangc- 

Indians  have  tak- 
;  of  Mr.  Aitvvatcr, 

one  chintz  govyn, 
;  one  caVico  gown, 
ive  cuts;  one  cali- 
ollai .,  one  pair  of 
y  cents;  one  pair  of 

cents;  one  pair  of 
nts;  one  new  smaH 
;  book,  two  doUarsj 
y  cents;  one  shawl, 
L-rchief,  seventy  five 
two  and  one  half 
e  fourths  of  a  pound 
cake  of  chocolate, 
\f  cents;  one  blanket, 
dollars;  three  yards 
;  and  three-fourths 
';  one  flannel  loose 
J  twelfth  September, 
lesnut  sorrel  horse, 
[e,  ten  dollars.     Oil 
ber,  taken  on  river 
lit  dollars;  one  pair 
irs  fifty  cents;  leading 
,xe,  two  dollars  filt^ 
lars. 

chambci's,   17th  Sep- 


\1N,  J    P   O.  D.. 


137 


No  XXXII. 

LeHerjrom  the  Indians  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
river  Raisin,  nut  dated. 

The  Huron*?,  and  the  other  tribes  of  Indians,  as- 
sembled at  the  Miami  Rapids,  to  the  inhabi' 
tants  of  the  river  Raisin: 

FRIENDS,  LISTEN! 

You  have  always  told  us  you  would  give  us 
any  assistance  in  your  pDwer. 

We,  therefore,  as  the  enemy  is  a[)proaching  us, 
within  twenty-five  miles,  call  upon  you  all  to  rise 
up  and  come  here  immediately,  bringing  your 
arms  along  with  you. 

Should  you  fail  at  this  time,  we  will  not  con- 
sider you  in  future  as  fiiends,  and  the  consequences 
may  be  very  unpleasant. 

We  are  well  convinced  you  have  no  writing 
forbidding  you  to  assist  us. 

We  are  all  your  friends  at  present. 
(Signed)  ROUNDHEAD, 

By  an  emblem  resembtiug  a  horse. 

(Signed)       WALK  IN  THE  WATER, 
By  an  emblem  resembling  a  turtle 


No.  XXXI If. 
TRANSLATION. 

Letter  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  river   Rcmin,  dated 
Riviere  aux  Raisins,  iSth  Nov  1812. 

To  the  honorable  Judge  fVoodward,  Detroit,  Riviere 

atix  Raisins,  the  ISth  November,  1812. 
SIR, 

In  the  embarrassment  in  which  we  find  our- 
selves at  present,  on  the  subject  of  a  letter  ad 


/mJ^ 


138 


ilressnd  to  Col.  Navar,  on  the  part  of  the  IIuront< 
and  other  savage  tribes,  wc  depute  him  to  you  to 
represent  to  you  the  situation  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  river  Raisin,  [iraying  you  to  assist  him  with 
your  adviee  in  so  delicate  a  matter,  having  at  all 
times  had  great  confidence  in  your  great  know- 
ledge. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  profound  respcct,- 
Your  obedient  servants, 

(Signed)        JAQUES  LASSELLE, 

JEAN  BATISTE  (iEUOME, 
JEAN  BATISTE  BEAU(;ilANI>, 
FRANCOIS  LASSELLE, 
DUNCAN  REII), 
JEAN  BATISTE  LASSELLE: 


* 


Extract  from  the  report  of  Ensign  Isaac  L.  Baker, 
Agent  for  the  prisoners  taken  after  the  buttle  of 
Frenchtoicn,  January  22rf,  1813,  to  Brigadier 
General  Winchester,  dated  *'  British  Ntagaraj 
February  26,  1813. 

"  For  the  greatest  number  of  our  unfortunate 
fellow  soldiers  being  sent  from  Detroit,  wc  ftre  m- 
debted  to  the  exertions  of  our  prisoner  fellow  citi 
zens  there,  who  with  an  unexampled  generosity 
w  hen  they  saw  their  countrymen  driven  through 
the  streets  like  sheep  to  a  market,  lavished  their 
wealth  for  their  ransom.  Nor  was  the  procura 
tion  of  our  liberty  all  We  had  been  almost  en- 
tirely stript  by  the  Indians.  Clothes,  such  as  the 
exigency  of  the  occasion  permitted  to  be  prepared, 
were  furnished  us. 

"  On  the  8th  instant.  Colonel  Proctor  ordered 
me  to  make  out  a  return  of  all  the  prisoners  who 


V 


t  of  the  Iluronri 
K  him  to  you  to 
ic  inhabitants  ol' 
assist  him  with 
jr,  having  at  all 
3ur  great  know- 

•rofound  respect^ 
nt  servants, 

(;iillOME, 

3EAU(;ilANI>, 

3ELLE, 

LASSELLEr 


Isaac  L.  Baker, 
ifter  the  baUle  of 
3,  to  Brigadier 
Iriliah  NtagarOi, 

'  our  unfortunate 
ctroit,  we  are  in- 
soncr  fellow  citi 
npled  generosity 
I  driven  throug-li 
et,  lavished  tinir 
ivas  tlie  procura 
been  almost  cn- 
;hcs,  such  as  the 
d  to  be  prepared, 

Proctor  ordered 
le  prisoners  who 


) 


13a 

were  killed  hy  the  Indians  subsequent  to  the  battle, 
agreeable  lo  the  lust  iiiloiinat.nn  I  could  collect. 
The  enclosed  return,  niurkrd  IJ,  was  produced  hy 
this  t»rder.  I  \n%\\i  have  added  ihe  gallant  Cap 
t.un  Nathaniel  (^ray;  S.  Hart,  deputy  inspector 
general;  Captain  Virgil  M'CiackiM,  of  Colonel 
Allen's  reginuiil;  Cu|)tain.Iohn  M.  \V(.oiri)lk,your 
secretary;  Ensign  i^evi  Wells,  of  the  7th  United 
States'  infantry,  and  a  number  of  privates,  whom 
1  find  by  subsetjucnt  information,  have  been  mas- 
sacred. 

"  'I'he  mcini)ry  of  past  servii'.es  rendered  me  by 
Captain  llait's  family,  made  mr  particularly 
anxious  to  ascertain  his  fate.  I  flattered  ni_>s('ir 
he  was  alive,  and  every  iiiformati«)n  I  cnuld  g(;t 
for  sonie  time,  flittered  my  hopes.  But  one  ol  iho 
last  prisoners  who  was  brought  in,  told  me  that 
the  captain  was  certainly  massacred.  He  was  so 
badly  wounded  as  to  prevent  him  from  walking. 
The  Indians  took  him  some  distance  on  a  horse, 
but  at  lengtli  took  him  off  and  tomahawked  him. 
"  About  the  fOth  instant,  an  Indian  brought 
Captain  .M>Crack«ii  s  commission  to  Sandwich, 
th<  ^wj. ir  was  bL),idy.  'J'he  fellow  said  he  took 
u5  captain  u.ihuit,  but  some  lime  after,  when 
stripping  and  examining  hmi,  Ik-  found  an  Indian 
scalp  ni  his  bosom,  wliich  induced  him  to  kill 
him.  'I'his,  yov*  eannot  but  be  assured,  is  a  luim- 
bug  of  tlie  fellow's  own  making,  to  screen  him- 
sell  from  the  odium  of  barbarity,  'i'he  captain's 
character,  and  the  danger  that  attended  his  carry- 
ing such  furniture  in  a  disastrous  battle,  aive  it  the 
lie.  ° 

"  Captain  Woolfolk  after  having  been  wounded 
in  two  places,  by  some  means  had  got  refuge  in 
one  of  the  I'lvncb  houses  on  the  liaisiti.  He  was 
discovered  next  da  v.  and  drao^ied  from  his  assy 

!!■) 


i 


'  Jiwrw-., 


-Jt^ 


I 


14d 

lam.  He  was  taken  to  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Lassellr, 
where  he  said  he  would  give  1000  dollars  to  any 
one  who  would  purchase  him.  Mr.  Lasselle  said 
it  was  out  of  his  power,  but  he  had  no  doubt  his 
brother  would  do  it,  who  lived  at  hand.  He  di- 
rected his  owners  to  the  house  of  his  brother,  but 
as  they  were  on  their  way,  an  Indian  from  a  waste 
house  shot  him  through  the  head. 

"  Ensign  Wells  was  taken  by  my  side  unhurt. 
I  considered  him  as  alive,  until  on  my  arrival 
at  this  place,  Captain  Nags  tells  me  he  was  knled 
by  a  Putlawatamie  Indian,  not  long  after  he  was 

"  Many  fresh  scalps  have  been  brought  in  since 
the  battle,  and  dead  bodies  seen  through  the  coun- 
try, which  proves  that  others  have  been  killed 
whose  names  1  have  not  been  able  to  find  out^ 
independent  of  those  reported  to  Colonel  Proctor. 
This,  Sir,  is  all  the  information  I  have  been  able 
to  collect,  concerning  those  who  were  massacied. 
The  fifteen  or  eighteen,  mentioned  in  the  remarks 
to  the  return  made  to  Colonel  Pioctor,  whose 
names  do  not  appear,  were  not  known  by  those 
who  saw  them  killed. 

"  Major  Graves  of  the  5th  regiment  of  Kentucky 
volunteers,  I  have  been  able  to  get  no  information 
of,  further  than  that  he  w  as  brought  to  the  nver 
Rouge,  on  the  25th  or  26th  of  January,  in  a  sleigh. 
1  fear  from  our  having  heard  nothing  of  him  since, 
that  he  is  no  more,  and  that  valuable  officer  for 
ever  lost  to  his  country. 

"  The  dead  of  our  army  are  still  denied  the 
rites  of  sepulture.  At  the  time  I  left  Sandwich, 
I  was  told  the  hogs  were  eating  them.  A  gentle- 
man told  me  he  had  seen  them  running  about  with 
skulls,  arms,  legs,  and  o«  her  parts  of  the  human 
system  in  their  mouths.    The  French  people  on 


li*; 


»  Mr.  Lasselki 
dollars  to  any 
>.  Lasselle  said 
I  no  doubt  his 
land.  He  di- 
lis  brother,  but 
,n  from  a  waste 


side  unhurt, 
my  arrival 


y 

)n 

e  he  was  killed 

5  after  he  was 


)rought  in  since 
rough  the  coun- 
ve  been  killed 
ble  to  find  outj 
Colonel  Proctor. 
[  liave  been  able 
t'ere  massacred. 
,  in  the  remarks 
Proctor,  whose 
:nown  by  those 

;nt  of  Kentucky 
no  information 
ght  to  the  river 
iary,in  a  sleigh, 
ing  of  him  since, 
iable  oflicer  for- 

still  denied  the 
[  left  Sandwich, 
hem.  A  gentle- 
ining  about  with 
i  of  the  human 
Vench  people  on 


141 

the  Raisin,  buried  Captains  Hart,  Woolfolk,  and 
some  others,  but  it  was  more  than  their  lives  were 
worth,  to  have  been  caught  paying  this  last  cus- 
tomed tribute  to  mortality. 

"  I  several  times  agitated  the  subject  of  burying 
the  dead,  when  in  company  with  the  British 
officers,  but  they  always  answered  that  the  In- 
«lians  would  not  suffer  it." 


w 


'?»-" 


■atm 


iiMiMiililii 


A  Return  of  the  American  pi 


'■^''■.*,*»    ,  .'*,-':^i;-'i 


1 


Names. 

Rank. 

1   Pascal  Hickman 

Gipt. 

2  .las.  1-:.  niythe 

Private 

I] 

3  Chas.Gerles 

do 

4  'I'homas  S.  Crow 

do 

S 

o  Daniel  Darnell 

do 

V 

6  Thomas  Ward 

do 

It 

7  William  Butler 

do 

s 

8  Henry  Downy 

do 

li 

9  John  P.  Sidney 

Serjt. 

iV 

In  addition  to  the  above  number,  I  sa 
Sandwich  saw,  say  15  or  18  otiiers,  treat 
burned  to  death.     Those  men  who  saw  II 


Colonel  II.  Pi'ockr. 


B. 

►f  the  American   piisoneis  who  were  tomahawked  by  the  Iiicliaiis  subsequent  to  the  battle  at 

Frenchtown,  January  22cl,  1813. 


l€S. 

Raitk. 

Company. 

Regiment. 

Daie. 

Remarks. 

lan 

e 

row 

II 

d 

y 

Capt. 
Private 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
Scijt. 

Hart's 

do 
Seiibree's 
Williams' 
Ucdding's 
SHnghornt''s 
lidwards' 
Martin's 

1st  Kentucky  vol.  rifle 
5th  Kentucky  vol.  infantry 

do 
1st  Kentucky  vol.  infantry 
5tli       do 
1st        do 

1st        l!:               rifle 
17th  J.  s.  infantry 
5th  Kentucky  vol.  infantry 

Jan.  23 

24 
26 

1                                                            ■""  " 

In  Ficnchtown. 

do 
Sandy  Creek. 
Three  miles  from  Frenchtown. 

S- Between  Sandy  creek  and  Frenchtown. 

Near  Brownstown. 

River  Rouge.                                     ^H^^ 

B' 

REMARKS. 

I  tlie  above  number,  I  saw  two  others  tomahawked  at  Sandy  creek  myself,' and  tind  that  the  prisoners. now  in  the  hospital  in 
say  1.5  or  18  otiier.s,  treated  in  the  same  manner.      Two  men  tell  me,  they  saw  one  who  had  the  appearance  of  having  been 
Those  men  who  saw  Henry  Djwny  and  William  Butler  killed,  tell  me  that  the  Indians  left  them  without  scalping. 


•lev. 


ISAAC  L.  BAKER,  Ensign  2d  UnUed  States'  infantry. 


N 


U5 


Extrad  of  a  Idter  from  Major  General  Harri^em. 
io  ihe  Secretary  at  JVar]  doled  at  the  Miami 
Rapids,  February  11,1813. 
*'  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  the  depo*  . 
iijtion  of  Medard  Labardie,  who  was  at  the  river 
Raisin  on  the  22d  ultimo,  and  remained  there  till 
the  6th  instant.     His  account  of  the  loss  of  the 
enemy  in  the  action,  is  corroberated  by  several 
others,  nor  is  there  the  least  reason  to  doubt  his 
statement,  as  it  regards  the  horrible  fate  of  our 
wounded  men.    There  is  another  circumstance 
which  plainly  shews  that  the  British  have  no  m- 
tention  to  conduct  the  war  at  least  in  this  quarter) 
upon  those  principles  which  have  been  held  sacred 
by  all  civilized  nations.     On  the  30th  ultimo,  I 
despatched  Doctor  M'Guhan,  a  surgeon's  mate  m 
th '  militia,  with  a  flag,  to  ascertain  the  situation  of 
our  wounded.     He  was  attended  by  one  of  our 
militliimen  and   a  Frenchman.     On  the  night 
after  tlveir  departure,  they  halted  near  this  place, 
for  the  purpose  of  taking  a  few  hours  sleep,  in  a 
vacant  cabin  upon  the  bank  of  the  river.    The 
cariole  in  which  they  travelled  was  left  at  the  door 
with  the  flag  set  up  in  it.    They  were  discovered 
by  a  party  of  Indians  (accompanied  it  is  said  by  a 
British  officer)  and  attacked  in  Uie  manner  descri- 
bed in  the  deposition.    The  militiaman  was  killed 
and  scalped,  the  Doctor  and  the  Frenchman  taken. 
Doctor  M'Guhan  was  furnished  with  a  letter  ad- 
dressed to  any  British  officer  whom  he  might  meet, 
describing  the  character  in  which  he  went,  and  the 
object  for  which  he  was  sent,  an  open  letter  to  Ge- 
neral Winchester,  and  written  instmctions  to  him- 
self, all  of  which  he  was  directed  to  shew  to  the 
first  officer  he  met  with.     He  was  also  supplied 
with  one  hundred  dollars  in  gold,  to  procure  ne- 
cessaries for  the  prisoners." 


f,  i 


-  - gJl'J  Witi. 


#)' 


■-BP' 


146 


I' 


The  affidavit  of  Medard  Labbardie,  late  resU 
dent  near  the  river  Raisin,  in  the  Michigan  territo* 
ry.  He  being  sworn,  saith;  he  was  in  his  house 
when  he  h-ard  the  guns  at  the  commencement  of 
the  action  at  tlie  river  Raisin,  on  the  22d  January, 
1813,  between  the  American  forces  under  General 
Winchester,  and  the  British,  Canadian,  and  Indian 
forces,  said  to  be  commanded  by  Col  St.  George. 
After  some  little  time,  he  heard  i,hj.t  the  Indians 
were  killing  the  inhabitants  as  well  as  the  Ame- 
ricans, upon  which  he  went  towards  the  scene  of 
action,  in  order  to  save  his  family.  As  he  went 
on,  he  was  with  one  other  inhabitant  taken  pri- 
soner by  two  Wyandot  Indians,  and  carried  pri- 
soner to  the  Indian  lines,  from  which  he  saw  great 
part  of  the  action.  The  right  wing  of  the  Ameri- 
cans had  given  way  before  he  got  a  sight  of  the 
action.  It  terminated  after  the  sun  was  some  hours 
high,  not  far  from  1 1  o'clock,  A.  M.  by  the  sur- 
render of  the  American  forces  that  then  remained 
on  the  ground.  He  saw  the  flag  hoisted  by  thft 
British  sent  to  the  American  forces,  and  saw  it 
pass  three  times  to  the  Americans  before  the  sur- 
render. He  could  not  understand  English,  but  un^- 
derstood  that  General  Winchester  was  taken  pri- 
soner before  he  got  to  the  lines  of  his  own  men; 
that  he  was  compelled  to  carry  the  flag  to  his  own 
forces  after  he  was  taken;  that  he  understood  the 
reason  of  the  flag  passing  so  often,  was  that  the 
Americans  refused  to  surrender  upon  any  other 
terms  than  that  the  wounded  should  be  taken 
care  of.  the  dead  buried,  and  the  inhabitants  pro- 
tected in  their  property.  That  the  British  first  re- 
fused to  agree  to  these  terms,  but  finally  did  agree 
to  them.  He  also  understood  that  the  loss  of  the 
British  and  Indians  in  the  action  was  about  400 


>» 


■y 


jabbardle,  late  rcsi^ 
;  Michigan  territo* 
e  was  in  his  house 
commencement  of 
1  the  22d  January, 
trees  under  General 
nudian,  and  Indian 
y  Col.  St.  George, 
cd  that  the  Indians 
s  well  as  the  Ame- 
wards  the  scene  of 
nly.  As  he  went 
ihabitant  taken  pri- 
is,  and  carried  pri* 
which  he  saw  great 
ivingof  the  Ameri- 

got  a  sight  of  the 
Lin  was  some  hours 
A.  M.  by  the  sur- 
that  then  remained 
ag  hoisted  by  thft 
forces,  and  saw  it 
ans  before  the  sur- 
id  English,  but  un;- 
5ter  was  taken  pri- 

of  his  own  men; 
the  flag  to  his  own 

he  understood  the 
often,  was  that  the 
•V  upon  any  other 
!  should  be  taken 
rie  inhabitants  pro- 
the  British  first  re- 
Jt  finally  did  agree 
hat  the  loss  of  the 
ion  was  about  400 


147- 

killed.    He  also  understood  tliat  the  toss  of  tllc 
Americans  m  the  action,  was  about  180  killed 

He  knows  that  on  the  day  of  the  action  all'  the 
prisoners  who  were  ableto  march,  were  m.u'ched  off 
towards  Maiden,  the  wounded,  about  dO  or  HO  in 
number,  left  m  two  houses  without  any  of  their 
friends  or  a  physician  to  take  care  of  them,  and 
without  any  British  officer  or  men.  About  ten 
Indians  remained  behind  upon  the  ground,  the 
balance  of  the  Indians  went  ofi*  with  the  Biitish, 
and  he  was  told  by  some  of  the  Canadian  militia, 
that  the  British  had  promised  the  Indians  a  frolick 
that  night  at  Stoney  creek,  about  six  miles  from 
the  river  Raisin. 

He  was  liberated  after  the  line  of  march  was 
formed  for  Maiden.  The  next  morning  he  was  in 
the  houses  where  the  wounded  were.  That  morn- 
mg  about  fifty  Indians  returned,  they  brought 
whiskey  with  them;  they  drank  some  and  gave 
some  to  the  Indians  there,  and  between  9  and  iO 

0  clock  A.  M.  commenced  killing  the  wounded, 
then  set  fire  to  the  houses  the  wounded  were  in, 
and  consumed  them.  He  was  at  his  lather's,  on 
this  side  of  the  Detroit  river,  about  seven  days 
after  the  action,  and  saw  across  the  river  the  pri- 
soners marched  off  for  Niagara,  from  xMalden. 

He  saith  that  he  saw  taken  by  his  house,  by 
Captam  Elliott,  and  nine  Wyandot  Indians,  two 
men  that  he  understood  had  been  sent  by  Gene- 
ral Harrison  with  a  flag  to  the  Biitish  One  of  the 
men  (Mr.  lessiei)  he  knew,  the  other  he  did  not 
know,  but  understood  he  was  a  doctor.  He  had 
not  an  opportunity  of  conversing  with  them,  but 
understood  from   an  inhabitant,  to  whom  Mr. 

1  essier  communicated  it,  that  they  stopped  for  the 
night  and  left  the  flag  hoisted  on  the  cariole;  that 
the  flag  was  taken  away  unknown  to  them,  and 


149 

#l,at  the  Indians  ftred  on  them;  that  he,  Tessier, 
.  fi  th^m  thev  were  Frenchmen  and  surrendered, 
^'nvvhich  the  Indians  ceased  firing,  and  took 
Zm  iSy  then  mentionedthcy  were  sent  wUh 
X    TheCians  sa.dthey  wen.  hars  and  took 

^^Xt'essier  was  set  at  liberty  at  the  river  Raisin, 

r;;^t^SsttdS^^^^^^^ 

101  oy  inc  ^jY  immediately 

derstood  th;^^  the  doctor  ^^^  .^  ^^^  ^^^j 

""(Signed)  MEDARD  LABBARDIE. 

wLs»,  C.  Gratiot.  C»pt.  of  Engineers,  and 
Interpreter. 

Sworn  to,  before  me,this  11th  day^f  February, 
181^   Camp^  foot  of  the  Miami  R^;. 

(signed)^       CS.  TODD,  Dis.  Judge  Ad. 

^*"' "'I' GRAHAM,  Aid.de.camp. 


His  Majesty's  Ship  San  Domingo^^ 

*'  Chesapeake,  May  lOth,  18U. 


SIR, 


-      \  u        ♦«  artnowledffc  the  receipt  of  your 


-(tjr-r 


r,  that  he,  Tessier, 
;n  and  surrendered, 
ed  firing,  and  took 
they  were  sent  with 
were  liars  and  took 

y  at  the  river  Raisin, 
cting  the  doctor  to 
me,  Tessier  was  sent 
to  Maiden.  He  un- 
sent  off  immediately 
grounded  in  the  ancle, 
ir^ed  the  doctor  and 
Ln^  further  he  saith 

D  LABBARDIE. 

pt.  of  Engineers,  and 

11th  day  of  February, 

iami  llaplj;- 

DD,  Dis  Judge  Ad. 

1AM,  Aid- de-camp. 


»  San  Domingo, 

sapeake,  May  10th,  1813. 

kc  the  receipt  of  your 
•especting  a  man  named 
tchment  from  the  squa- 
rcar  Admiral  Ci)ckburn. 
ed  upon  the  application 
e  de  Grace,  on  parole. 


149 

I  was  not  informed  of  this  man  bring  an  Irish- 
man,  or  he  would  certainly  h.iv<   be<'o  dctainrd 
to  account  to  his  iovcn-ign  and  country,  for  being 
in  arms  against  the  British  colors. 
1  havf  the  honor  to  be.  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
JOHN  BOKLAISE  WARREN. 

Brig   Gen.  Miller,  commanflinir  tne.  Untied  Stales 
forces,  ^'c.  ^.  ^c.  Battimor^. 


Nicholasvillty  Kentucky, 

April  21ih,  18ia. 

SIR, 

Yours  of  the  5th  instant,  requesting  me  to 
give  you  a  statement  respecting  the  late  disaster  at 
Frenchtown,  was  duly  received.  Rest  assured 
Sir.  that  it  is  with  sensations  the  most  unpleasant, 
that  I  undertake  to  recount  the  infamous  and 
barbarous  co'>duct  of  the  B  itish  and  Indians  after 
the  IxitUe  of  the  22d  January.  The  blood  run» 
cold  in  my  veins  when  I  think  of  it. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  shortly  after  light, 
six  or  cigiit  Indians  came  to  the  house  of  Jean 
BabtisteJereaume,  where  I  was,  in  company  with 
Major  Graves,  Captains  Hart  and  Hickman, 
Doctor  Todd,  and  fifteen  or  twenty  private  volun- 
teers, belonging  fo  different  corps.  They  did  not 
molest  any  person  or  thing  on  their  first  appi  uach, 
but  kept  sauntering  about  until  there  were  a  large 
number  collected  (say  one  or  two  hundred)  at 
which  time  th«y  commenced  plundering  the  houses 
of  the  inhal'iUnts,  and  the  massacre  of  the  woun- 
ded prisonei-s.  1  was  one  atntjngst  the  first  that 
was  taken  prisoner,  and  was  taken  to  a  horse 
about  twenty  puces  from  the  house,  after  being  di- 

20 


I 


150 

vested  of  part  of  my  clothing,  and  commanded  by 
If^sit^  to  remam  for  further  order-s  Slyntly 
Xrbeir there-,  I  saw  them  knock  down  Capt 
H  ckma  at  the  door,  together  witli  several  oth.ri 
W  tt  whom  I  was  not  acquainted.  S^;PP-'';g  » 
general  massacre  had  commenced,  I  made  an  enurt 
fu  Jrt  o  a  house  about  100  yards  distant,  wh.ch 
contained  a  number  of  ^-nded  but  on  m  .  rea.  h- 

ing  tlie  house,  to  my  grea  ."^"''^''^'V'^^!  "'"1^! 
surrounded  by  Indians,  wh.ch  pre.  luded  the  pos«i 
bXtrof  my  gWiog  notice  to  the  nntmtunat.  vjct.m. 
of  savage  barbarity.     An  In-ian  chief  .)f  the  1  awa 
?ribe!by  the  name  of  MCarty.  gave  mr  possession 
of  h  s  horse  and  blanket,  telhng  me  by /'g"  '  J« 
Kad    he  horse  to  the  house  which     had  just  be- 
fore  left     The  Indian  that  first  took  me,  by  thi* 
ime  came  up  and  manifested  a  hostile  d.sposu.on 
oTards  me,V  raising  his  tomahawk  as  d  to  gn^e 
me  the  fatal  blow,  which  was  prevented  by   my 
ZvvVo^  friend  M'Ca.ty.     On  my  reach.r g    he 
house\vhich  1  hadlirst  slaited  «'om,  I  saw  the 
Indians  take  olV  several  prisoner.,  which  1  after- 
wards saw  in  the  road,  in  a  most  mangled  condi- 
tion, and  entirely  stripped  of  their  <^io*'^";S- 

Messrs.  Bradford.  Scarls,  Turner,  and   B  ythe 
were  collected  around  a  carriole  which  contained 
Trticles  taken  by  the  Indians  trom  ^^^;^ 
We  had  all  been  placed  there,  by  "U.  .espective 
oaptors,  except  Blythe,  who  came  ^v he  eue  were, 
entreating  an  Indian  to  convey  him  to  Maiden, 
prom      1  to  give  him  40  or  S  :>0,  and  whilst  in  the 
Sao    pleading  for  nvrcy,  an  Indian,  m.>re  savagj 
than  the  othei-   stepped  ip  behind,  tomahawked. 
Lr^pped'  and  scalped  him'  The  next  that  attracted 
mTatt-^tion,  was  the  houses  on  tire  that  contajiv 
Td  several  wounded,  whom  1  knew  were  not  able 
to  get  oat.     After  the  houses  were  nearly  con- 


"^ 


indcommandfd  by 

lei-  orders     Sluntly 

knock  down  Capt. 

•  with  several  other* 
inted.     Suppn^iiig  a 
ced,  I  made  an  ertort 
f^urds  distant,  which 
ed.buton  m/reaeh- 
[)rtit\cation,  ti»und  it 
I  pre.  luded  the  possi- 
ennlortunatc  victim* 
anchiefoftiirTawa 
y.  gave  mr  possession 
lling  me  by  signs,  to 
which  I  had  just  be- 
irst  took  me,  by  thi* 
1  a  hostile  disposition 
mahavvk  as  if  to  give 
as  prevented  by   my 
On  my  reachirg  the 

•ted  from,  1  saw  the 
sonerp,  which  1  after- 
most mangled  condi- 
f  their  clothing. 

Turner,  and  Bythe, 
riole  which  contained 
ins  from  the  citizens, 
ere,  by  oiu  respective 

came  where  we  were, 
nvey  him  to  Maiden, 

•  S  bO,  and  whilst  in  the 
in  Indian,  more  savagt 

behind,  tomahawked, 
The  next  that  attracted 
ies  on  lire  that  contain- 
I  I  knew  were  not  able 
uses  were  nearly  con- 


151 

sumcd,  we  received  marching  ordorn.  and  after  ar- 
riving at  Sindvcre»k,  the  Indians  called  a  halt, 
and  commenced  cooking;  after  preparing  am.  eat- 
ing  a   little  sweetened  gruel,   JVIessrs     Bradford, 
Searls.  Turner,  and  myself,   received  some,   and 
were  eatii)g.  when  an  Indian  eamc  up  and  pro- 
pt)sed  exchanging  his  mockosons  for  Mr.  SeurU' 
fhoes,  which  he  readdy  complied  with.      They 
then  exchanged  hats,  after  which  tlie  Indian  in- 
quii    I   how   many  men  Harrison  had  with  him^ 
and  at  the  same  time  railing  Searls  a  Washington 
or  Madison,  tiien  raisi^d  his  tomahawk  and  htruck 
him  on  the  shoulder,  which  cut  into  the  cavity  of 
the  body.     Searls  then  caught  hold  of  the  toma- 
hawk and  ai)pcared  to  resist,  and  upon  my  telling 
him  that    his   fate  was  inevitable,  he  closed  his 
eyes  and  received  the  savage  blow  which  tirminat- 
ed  his  existence.     I  was  near  enough  to  him  to 
receive  the  brains  and  blood,  after  the  fatal  blow, 
on  my  blanket.     A  short  time  after  tin  death  of 
Searls,  I  saw  three  others  share  a  similar   fate. 
We  then  set  out  for  Brownstown,  which  place  we 
reachcl  about   12  or  i  o'cKx;k  at  night.     After 
being  exposed  to  several  hours  incessant  rain  in 
reaching  that  place,  we  were  put  into  the  council 
house,  the  floor  of  which  was  partly  covered  with 
water,  at  which  place   we  remained   until  next 
morning,  when  we  again  received  marching  orders 
for  their  village  on  the  river  Rouge,  which  place 
we  made  that  day,  where  I  was  kept  six  days,  then 
taken  to  Detroit  and  sold.     For  a  more  detailed 
account  of  the   proceedings,  1  take  the  liberty  o| 
referring  you  to  a  publication  which  appeared  in 
the  public  prints,  signed  by  Ensign  J.  L.  Baker, 
and  to  the  publication  of  ,ludge  Woodward,  both 
of  which  1  have  particularly  examined  and  find 


m 

if 


ij*!' 


^ 


15t 

4f  m  to  he  literally  correct,  so  far  as  came  under 

my  notici'. 

1  am,  Sif,  with  due  regard, 
Y.'ur  IcUovv  ( itizon, 

GlISTAVUS  M.  BOWER, 
Surgeon's  MaU,  bih  re^t   Kty.  Voluntetrfi 

Jessamine  county,  to  wit: 

This  day  Gustavua  M.  Bawer.  personally 
eame  before  me.  John  Mctca»f,  one  «>f  the  com- 
monwealths'justices  of  the  peace,  m  and  for  said 
county,  and  made  oath  to  the  truth  of  asserti.  is 
before  stated  hv  the  said  Bower.  Givtn  under 
my  hand  this  24th  day  -f  April,  1813. 

JOHN  METCALF. 

Jtast  Bledsoe,  Esq.  Lexington. 


Lespigion,  May  2d,  1813. 

SIR 

I  received  vour  letter  some  time  since,  •'elative 
to  the  disustrou's  affair  uf  Frcnchtown,  of  '22d  and 
23d  January  last.  For  the  particulars  of  the 
action,  and  the  terms  of  capitulation,  I  rcter  you 
to  the  official  report  of  General  Winchester  which 
is  correct  as  tar  as  came  within  my  knowledge. 
After  the  capitulation,  I  was  mtroduccd  to  Col. 
Proctor,  the  commander  of  tlie  British  forces  and 
Indians,  as  one  of  the  survivmg  surgeons  and  by 
him  was  rcipiestcd  to  attend  to  our  woundfd,  who 
were  left  on  the  ground  where  the  action  was 
fouglit.  1  willingly  acquirsccd.  and  Doctor  Bowns 
my  mate,  remained  with  me;  at  tlie  same  time  1 
iTiformcd  Col.  Proctor  of  my  apprehensions  tor 


far  as  came  under 
ard, 

IS  M.  BOWER, 
'o-t  Kty.  yolnnleert. 


""T 


Bower,  porsonallj 
aU',  one  of  the  oom- 
iraot',  in  and  for  smd 
i«  truth  of  asscrti.  is 
iiwfr.  Given  under 
ml  1813. 

HN  METCALF. 


2d,  1813. 

lAo  time  since,  relative 
inchtovvn,  of  '22d  and 
le   particulars  of  the 
pitiilation,  I  rtlW  you 
rai  Winchester  which 
ithit»  my  knowledge, 
as  introduced  to  Col. 
tlie  British  forces  and 
vin^  suroeons,  and  by 
to  our  wounded,  who 
,vhere  the  action  was 
d.and  i:>octor  Bowers 
le;  at  th«;  same  time  I 
my  apprehensions  for 


1.53 


the  safety  of  the  wound«'d  and  the  Burgeons;  he, 
replied,  be  under  no  apprehensions,  you  wi'I  Imj 
perfectly  safe.  1  will  pUce  you  under  the  spc<'  il 
care  of  the  chiefs  untd  morning,  and   ^ery  early 
1    will   send  conveyances  fur  the  wounded   and 
yourself   to  Amhertsburg.     Shoitly  after.  I    uas 
requested  to  asci  rtain  the  number  and  rank  ol  the 
woundi  (I,  and  in  so  doing  was  assisted  by  a  Bri- 
tish ((rticer  (whose  name  I  did  not  know)  to  whrrn 
I    likewise  communicated   my  apprehensi'ns  of 
safety;  he  inanifegted  some  iiritation  at  my  doUi/fS 
)i  I'-lish  honor  and  magnanimity,  and  assured 
rne  pic  action  would  be  afforded  me.     Wiulc  en- 
.•T,ged  i    this  business,  one  of  the  rooms  occupied 
i*y  tiv     /ounded  was  crowded  with  Indians  who 
'.   Tt  j peaceable,  but  one  of  them  who  could  spt- ale 
]^nglish  admonished  the  British  officer  of  the  pio- 
{M'icty  o*'  sutionnig    interpreters    in   th©   h.  usfS, 
Upon  my  nrturn  !rom  this  business  to  the  room 
1  occupied,  u.  id  which  was  set  apart  for  th*-  wound- 
ed oHicers,  I  met,  and  was  made  acquainted  with, 
Captain  Elliott,  at  present  a  British    llicer,  tvhi> 
had  visited  Captain  Hart  then  wounded.     Captain 
Hart  was  solicitous  to  be  removed  that  evening, 
and  Captain  Elliott  replied,  if  it  was  pitssible  (and 
every  exertion  should  be  made)  he  should,  and  if 
it  could  not  be  etVected  that  evening,  early  in  the 
morning  he  would  call  for  him  in  his  own  train 
(sleigh)  and  convey  him  to  his  own  house  in  Am- 
hei  tsburg,  where  he  should » emain  until  recoveivd, 
assuring  him  repeatedly,  no  danger  was  to  be  »{)» 

i)relK'nded,  and  if  possible  he  would  remain  with 
11  m  that  night.  In  the  afternoon  Captain  Elliott 
and  every  British  ofticer  left  the  encampment, 
leaving  behind  three  interpreters.  From  the  re- 
peated assurances,  my  apprehensions  were  quieted; 
for  who  could  doubt?  About  one  hour  bctorc  day 


1 


•      I 


•i 


154 

light  ^for  ray  duties  required  my  attention  nearly 
all  the  ntcrht)  the  interpreters  suddenly  disappeared. 
About  an  hour  after  day  light,  the  Indians  began 
to  collect  in  the  town,  and  commenced  plundering 
the  houses  in  which  the  wounded  were  placed, 
Rnd  then  stripped  them  and  myself  of  our  clothmg. 
At  this  time  the  room  I  had  occupied  was  so 
crowded  with  Indians,  and  Captain  Hart's  wound 
already  painful,  being  injured  by  them,  I  convey* 
ed  him  to  an  adjoining  house  which  had  been 
plundered  and  was  empty,  where  I  met  the  Indian 
(who  on  tlie  preceding  day  had  requested  that  in- 
tetpP'ters  should  be  left)  aod  he  knew  my  rank. 
He  inquired  why  the  surgeons  were  left,  and  why 
the  wuunded  were  left?  I  replied  it  was  the  wish 
of  Colonel    Proctor  we    sh  .uld  remain  until  he 
coud  st-nd  for  us;  and  Captain  Hart  informed  him 
Captain  Elliott  was  a  friend  of  his  and  was  to  call 
for  him  that  m>.rning.     He  shook  his  head  signifi- 
cantly, and  replied  they  were  damned  rascals,  or 
we  would  have  been  taken  off  the  preceding  day. 
The  Indian  infoniit-d  me  every  individual  would 
be  killed,  and  requested  me  to  be  qu.et,  for  the 
chiefs  were  Mum  in  council  and  «  may  be,    only  the 
wounded  would  be  killed.     Captain  Hart  oftered 
him  one  hundred  dollars  to  take  him  to  Maiden. 
llf  replii  d.  you  are  too  badly  wounded.     While 
we  were  conversing,  one  of  the  wounded  was  to- 
rn ihawked  at  our  ieet.     Shortly  after,  the  Indian 
returned  and  told  me,  1  was  prisoner,  and  must  jro. 
I  was  taken  by  the  Indian  to  the  house  I  had  lelt, 
and  there  discovered  that  Captain  Hickman  and 
two  t.thcrs  nad  m  mv  absence  been  tomahawked, 
scalpt,  and  stnpt.     1  was  tied  and  taken  by  this 
iMdum  t  -wards  M  dden  about  four  miles,  when  I 
came  tu  tiie  encampment  of  the  British  wounded, 
and  met  with  Captain  Elliott  and  the  surgeon  of 


r*- 


f-'  'HWH^' 


1 


my  attrntion  nearly 
uddcnly  disappeared, 
t,  the  Indians  began 
mmencrd  plundering 
lunded  were  placed, 
jyself  of  our  clothing, 
id  occupied  was  so 
laptain  Hart's  wound 
I  by  them,  I  convey* 
ise  which  had   been 
Here  I  met  the  Indian 
lad  requested  that  in- 
1  he  knew  my  rank. 
ns  were  left,  and  why 
plied  it  was  the  wish 
•uld  remain  until  he 
in  Hart  informed  him 
of  his  and  was  to  call 
ihook  his  head  signifi- 
re  damned  rascals,  or 
)rf  the  preceding  day. 
ery  mdividual  would 
e  to  be  quiet,  for  the 
nd  «  may  be,"  only  the 
Captain  Hart  offered 
take  him  to  Maiden. 
dly  wounded.     While 
the  wounded  was  to- 
ortly  after,  the  Indian 
prisoner,  and  must  go. 
o  the  house  I  had  left, 
Captain  Hickman  and 
ice  been  tomahawked, 
tied  and  taken  by  this 
)ut  four  miles,  when  I 
■  the  British  wounded, 
iott  and  the  surgeon  of 


136 


tlie  4l9t  regiment.  Captain  Elliott  immediately 
recognised  me.  arid  inquired  the  cause  of  my 
situation.  I  informed  him  what  had  taken  place^ 
and  requested  him  to  send  back  immediately,  that 
9ome  who  were  badly  wounded  might  be  still 
alive,  and  could  be  saved,  and  particularly  named 
Captain  Hart,  for  whom  he  manifested  muel> 
friendship.  Captain  Elliott  replied,  it  is  now  too 
late,  you  may  rest  as«'jred  that  those  who  are  once 
taken  by  the  Indians  are  safe,  and  will  be  taken 
to  Maiden,  and  those  who  are  badly  wounded 
are  killed  ere  this.  I  replied  many  are  unable  to 
walk,  aftd  some  will  be  killed  after  making  an 
effort  and  walkini^  several  miles,  who  might  bt; 
saved;  to  which  ht.  replied,  charity  begins  at  home, 
my  own  wounded  are  to  be  conveyed  first,  and  if 
any  sleighs  remain,  they  sliall  be  sent  back  for 
your  wounded.  My  anxiety  to  get  some  person 
to  return,  in  hopes  of  savifig  some  of  the  prisoners, 
induced  me  at  length  to  make  an  appeal  to  their 
avarice.  The  surgical  instruments  of  the  detach- 
ment vvere  left  in  the  room  I  occupied,  and  I  in«' 
formed  the  surgeon  of  their  value  and  importance 
at  that  time;  he  immediately  despatched  an  inter- 
preter for  them,  who  returned  with  the  informa- 
tion, they  were  destroyed  in  the  burning  of  the 
house,  and  gave  additional  confirmation  of  the 
massacre  of  the  wounded.  I  was  released  from 
the  Indians  by  Captain  Elliott  and  the  surgeon. 
At  this  time  my  biother  who  was  wounded  and 
several  others,  were  in  possession  of  the  Indians, 
who  were  taking  them  towards  Maiden.  I  re- 
quested their  release,  and  permission  for  them  to 
accompany  me  on  foot,  under  British  protection.. 
Captain  Elliott  told  me  it  was  impossible,  and  to 
be  under  no  fears,  they  were  safe,  for  he  knew  the 
ftdelity  ef  the  Indians  with  whom  they  were. 


"'I. 


M 


156 

Wht  ri  the  intelligence  of  the  massacre  was  by  mc 
cornnninicated  to  Captain  Elliott  and  the  surgeon, 
they  appeared  much  exasperated,  and  declared  it 
was  impossible  to  restrain  the  savages.     The  cause 
he  then  assigned  to  me  was.  that  when  the   In- 
dians discovered  their  loss  in  killed  and  wounded, 
and  that  of  the  British,  they  started  off  toward* 
our  wounded;  declaring  they  would  have  satislac- 
tion.  and  he  continued  I  was  fearful  of  the  event. 
During  the  plunder  and  the  massacre,  our  wound- 
ed conducted  themselves  with  the  utmost  com- 
posure and  resignation,  and  made  no  resisUince, 
\vhich  they  knew  would  be  fruitless,  and' destruc- 
tion to  all. 

It  was  asserted  by  Colonel  Proctor  in  a  conver- 
sation at  Amhertsburg,  that  the  Indians  had  got 
gome  whiskey  in  the  house  we  were  stationed, 
and  had  become  intoxicated.     That  the  Indians 
may  have  had  some  whiskey,  I  shall  not  deny, 
but  1  think  1  can  safely  say,  that  they  did   not 
procure  it  there,  and  that  was  not  the  cause  of 
the  massacre,  for  on  the  preceding  days  and  sub- 
sequent to  the  action  of  the  I8th,  I  wanted  some 
spirits,  and  made  application  to  the  housekeeper, 
wlio  assured  mc  there  was  none  about  the  house, 
for  it  was  all  consumed  by  the  British  and  In 
dians  who  had  quartered  in  the  house  prior  to 
the  action  of  the  1 8th;  besides,  the  Indians  shewed 
no  manifestation  of  drunkenness,  their  deliberate 
pilfering  and  their  orderly  conduct  throughout^ 
was  not  such  as  would  be  expected  from  drunken 
Indians.  . 

Upon  my  arrival  at  Maiden  I  was  agam  solici- 
ted to  take  charge  of  the  wounded,  the  surgery 
was  opened  to  me,  and  I  had  the  use  of  the  me 
dicines  and  dressings  necessary,  and  they  had  as 
comfortable  rooms  us  could  be  procured.   During 


masgacre  was  by  mc 
ott  and  the  surgeon, 
ated,  and  declared  it 
savages.     The  cause 

that  when  the  In- 
killed  and  wounded, 
f  started  off  towards 
would  have  satisfac- 

fearful  of  the  event, 
[itssacre,  our  vvound- 
th  the  utmost  com- 

niade  no  resistance, 
fruitless,  and'destruc- 

Proctor  in  a  conver* 
the  Indians  had  got 

we  were  stationed, 
.  That  the  Indians 
:ey,  I  shall  not  deny, 
^',  that  they  did  not 
,vas  not  the  cause  of 
ceding  days  and  sub- 
iBth,  I  war\ted  some 
n  to  the  housekeeper, 
lone  about  the  house, 
7  the  British  and  In 
n  the  house  prior  to 
;s,  the  Indians  shewed 
;nness,  their  deliberate 

conduct  throughout^ 
spected  from  drunken 

Jen  I  was  again  solici- 
ivounded,  the  surgery 
ad  the  use  of  the  me 
isary,  and  they  had  as 
be  procured.   During 


15; 


OHr  stay  in  Maiden  some  eight  or  ten  of -the 
wounded  were  brought  in  by  the  Indiar  s;  several 
made  their  escape  who  were  doomed  to  massacre, 
and  found  protection  with  the  inhabitants  of  the 
territory,  who  brought  them  into  Maiden,  and  se- 
veral made  their  escape  wandered  in  and  delivered 
themselves  up  at  the  fort.  Prior  to  our  leaving 
Maid»;n,  one  poor  fellow  was  brought  in  scalpt 
a.live  l»y  the  Indians  and  delivered  up  to  the  Bri- 
tish, but  before.  I  reached  him  death  put  an  end  to 
his  suil  :rings.  I  frequently,  and  on  every  occasion, 
urged  the  British  officers  to  exert  themselves  and 
procure  tiie  release  of  the  wounded  from  the  In- 
dians, urging  the  necessity  of  having  their  v'ound3 
dressed.  In  a  conversation  oji  this  subject  \\\i\\ 
Captain  Elliott,  and  while  urging  it,  he  replied  the 
Indians  are  excellent  surgeons.  The  pnsoneia  were 
all  marched  off  to  Sandwich  after  remaining  a  few 
days  at  Maiden,  and  '  as  called  upon  to  know 
how  many  from  tht  ^  ounds  were  unable  to 
march;  who  had  sleigns  furnished  them,  which 
was  the  case  during  the  march  to  Fort  George. 
Before  I  conclude,  1  must  say  that  the  terms  of 
capitulation  were  violated  in  every  particular  by 
the  enemy.  The  wounded  were  not  protected; 
private  property  was  not  held  sacred;  and  our  side 
arms  vvere  not  restored.  With  a  few  exceptions, 
I  was  treated  respectfully  by  the  British  officers, 
save  the  abuse  which  was  lavished  on  my  go- 
vernment, and //io<  was  by  no  means  sparingly  be- 
stowed. "^ 

I  am,  respectfully  yours,  &c. 

JOHN  TODD,  M.  D. 

>nd  late  surgeon  t,o  tht  5th  regiment  of  ICentuciky  voluiyeer  nvliti*. 


Thi  ttoii.  Jesae  Bledsoe. 


%l 


M 


w 


158 


ss. 


i»ht  commonweaUh  ol  Kentucky,   > 
Fayelte  county,  S 

This  day  Doctor  John  Todd  came  before  me. 
John  H.  Morton,  a  justice  of  the  peace  for  said 
county,  and  made  oath  that  the  iacts  stated  m  the 
foregoing  letter  are  substantially  true  to  the  best 
of  his  knowledge, 

Given  under  my  hand  this  3d  day  of  May, 

JOHN  H.  MORTON. 


Siate  of  Kentucky,  Pendleton  couniy,in  ihetoten  of 
Falmouth. 

On  the  2lst  day  of  April,  1813,  I,  John 
Dawson,  an  orderly  serjeant  in  Captain  Glave's 
company  of  the  first  regiment  Kentucky  volunteer 
militia,  being  detailed  otT,  and  attached  to,  Captam 
Wriel  Seabrees'  company,  and  was  in  the  battle  ot 
18th  of  January,  and  did  not  receive  a  wound,  but 
on  the  22d  about  9  o'clock,  received  a  shot  under 
the  right  arm,  which  lodged  between  the  nbs. 
After  the  capitulation  of  our  troops,  there  came  a 
paymaster  of  the  British  army,  in  the  house  where 
I  was,  to  take  the  number  of  wounded  that  was  m 
the  house;  1  asked  what  was  to  be  done  with  us^ 
he  replied'don't  make  yourself  uneasy  about  that, 
you  shall  be  protected  this  night,  by  a  strong  guard 
which  shall  be  left  with  you.     But  to  my  sad 
mistoitine,  I  found  thrre  were  but  three  mlerpre- 
ters  left,  and  in  the  night  an  oflficer  took  two  of 
them  away,  and  in  the  morning  the  other  one  said 
he  could  not  t.lk  Indian.     So  when  the  Indians 
came  in  the  morning,  they  broke  open  the  doors 
of  the  house  s,  began  to  tomahawk,  scalp,  and 
pjpnder,  thm  set  fin-  to  the  houses  which  contain' 


m 


"W^ 


S8. 


odd  came  before  me. 
,f  the  peace  for  said 
he  facts  stated  in  the 
lly  true  to  the  best 

lis  3d  day  of  May, 

[.  MORTON. 

county ,  in  the  totm  of 
I. 

^prii,  1813,  I,  John 
t  in  Captain  Glave's 
t  Kentucky  volunteer 
d  attached  to,  Captain 
id  was  in  the  battle  of 

receive  a  wound,  but 
received  a  shot  under 
,ed  between  the  ribs, 
r  troops,  there  came  a 
ly,  in  the  house  where 
F  wounded  that  was  in 
IS  to  be  done  with  us^ 
self  uneasy  about  that, 
ight,  by  a  strong  guard 
•ou.  But  to  my  sad 
ere  but  three  interpre- 
m  officer  took  two  of 
ning  the  other  one  said 

So  when  the  Indians 

broke  open  the  doors 
tomahawk,  scalp,  and 

houses  which  contain' 


159 

ed  the  prisoners;  with  this  I  got  up,  put  on  nvv' 
great  coat,  put  up  my  knapsack,  and  uent  out  of 
doors.  I  had  not  been  out  more  than  one  minute, 
before  an  Indian  came  up  to  me  and  took  the  coat 
off  my  back,  also  another  Indian  told  me  to  put 
my  knapsack  in  his  sled;  I  Jid  so.    At  this  time 
Maior  Graves  and  Captain  Hurt  were  out  in  the 
yard.     I  heard   Captain    Hurt   make  a   bargain 
with  an  Indian  to  take  him  to  Maiden,  tor  which 
the  Indian  agreed  so  to  do,  for  the  sum  ot  one 
hundred  dollars.     I  saxv  the  Indian  put  a  pair  ot 
socks  on  Hart  and  put  him  on  a  harse;  this  was 
the  last  I  saw  of  Hart.     1  then  s;iw  a  man  ndmg 
whom  I  thought  was  a  British  ofiici  r.     1  made  to 
him  but  found  that  he  was  an   Indian,  who  was 
aid-decamp  to  General  Uoundhead;  ho  had  with 
him  when  I  came  up.  twelve,  men.     It  was  at  the 
mouth    of  a   lane  where  I  overtook  him,  where 
there    were   two  Indians  scalping  two  meri;  he 
hallooed  to  them   to   give  way;   they   did    so 
After  this,  wc  went  on,  and  on  Sandy  creek  about 
three  miles  from  the  battle  ground,  I  saw  Ma.ior 
Graves  in  an  Indian  sleigh;  this  is  the  last  account 
of  him  that  1  could  ascertain.     We  went  on  that 
nieht  to  Brownstown,  and  in  the  morning  ot  the 
24th,  a  man  gave  out  walking,  with  the  rheumatic 
pains,   who  was  by  the  name  of  Downey.     1  he 
Indians  tomahawked  him  and  then  stiipt  him. 
We  then  marched  on  above  Detroit  on  Uie  river 
Rouge.     I  stayed  with  them  seven  days,  they  then 
took  me  into  Detroit  (leaving  a  young  man  m  ihc 
camp  by  the  name  of  John  Davenport)  and  sold 
me  to  Major  Muir,  who  commands  fort-  Detroit. 
I  then  was  sent  over  to  Sandwich,  there  1  stayed 
until  the  8th  of  February;  they  marched  me  to 
fort  George  and  me  on  the  19  of  leb.  181o. 

The  above  is  a  true  statement  jis  f-  as  1  saw 


!i: 


\m 


though  '^  saw  nuuibers  massacred  that  I  did  q(U 
know 

Durs^ig  r<iy  confiineirer :  with  the  Indians  whilst 
at  theii  cwBHiJi,  t^hey  shinved  more  humanity  than 
the  BrUssh. 

Givei'  under  my  haiKll  this  21st  da>  of  ApjiJ. 

JOHN  DAWSON. 

iPendhjto*  county',  ss, 

!,  WiHiam  Mountjoy,  one  of  the  common- 
wealths' ju^wces  of  the  peace  for  the  state  of 
Kentucky,  in  and  for  said  county,  do  cerHfy 
that  the  foregoing  certificate  of  John  Dawson,  was 
written,  subscribed,  and  sworn  to  before  me. 

Given  under  my  hand  this  21st  day  of  Apr^K 
1813- 

WM.  MOUNTJOY. 


Stale  of  Kentucky,  Pendleton  county,  in  the  iosam  of 
Falmouth. 

On  the  21st  day  of  April,  1813,  |,  Thomas 
Pollard,  a  private  of  Captain  Glave's  company,  of 
the  first  regiment  of  Kentucky  volunteer  militia, 
was  in  battles,  fought  with  the  British  and  Indian 
army,  on  the  18th  and  22d  of  January  last,  at  the 
river  Raisin,  and  after  the  surrender  of  our  arm;f 
as  prisoners  of  war  on  the  22d,  upon  the  assurances 
of  the  British  officers  promising  protection  to  my 
wounded  fellow  soldiers,  and  that  they  would 
send  carrioles  for  them  the  next  day.  Although 
I  had  received  no  injury  in  either  of  the  actions 
foi^ht  on  the  18th  and  22d,  I  voluntarily  staid  to 
assist  and  comfort  my  messmates,  John  Dawson 


m 


acred  that  I  did  qoi 

:h  the  Indians  whilst 
nore  humanity  than 

9  21st  da)  of  Apjil^ 

N  DAWSON. 


ne  of  the  comoion- 
:e   for  the   state   of 

county,  do  cerM fy 
f  John  Dawson,  was 
1  to  before  me. 

21st  day  of  Apr^l, 

MOUNTJOY. 


ounty,  in  ihe  tosum  of 

il,  1813,  I  Thomas 
Glave's  company,  of 
ky  volunteer  militia, 
3  British  and  Indian 
F  January  last,  at  the 
render  of  our  arm;f 
,  upon  the  assurances 
ng  protection  to  my 
d  that  they  would 
;xt  day.  Although 
either  of  the  actions 
I  voluntarily  staid  to 
lates,  John  Dawson 


161 

and  Aibert  Ammerman,  and  Jesse  Green,  all  of 
whom  had  received  wounds  by  balls. 

I  have  fust  examined  the  statement  made  and 
sworn  to,  by  John  Dawson,  hereto  annexed,  and 
witnessed  every  circumstance  therein  stated  to  be 
truly  stated,  within  my  own  knowledge.  The  Indian 
who  bargained  with  Captain  Hart,  to  take  liini  to 
fort  Mi>lden  for  one  hundred  dollars,  and  took 
charge  of  him,  put  him  on  a  horse  and  st;t;rt,d  on 
his  way;  spoke  good  enough  the  English  tongue  for 
MLS  to  understand  the  contract. 

THOMAS  POLLARD. 


Pendleton  county,  ss. 

I,  William  Mountjoy,  one  of  the  common- 
v/ealthb' justices  of  the  peace  for  the  state  ol  Ker\- 
tucky,  in  and  for  said  county,  do  certify  that  the 
foregoing  certificate  of  Thomas  Pollard,  was  sub- 
scribed and  sworn  to  before  me. 

Given  under  my  hand  this  21st  April,  1813. 

WM.  MOUNTJOY. 


State  of  Kentucky,  Pendleton  county ^  in  the  town  of 

Falmouth. 

On  the  21st  day  of  April,  1813.  I,  Albert 
Ammerman,  a  private  of  Captain  Glave's  com- 
pany of  tlie  fii  fit  regiment  of  Kentucky  volunteer 
militia,  being  wounded  in  the  battle  of  the  IHth 
January  last,  at  the  river  Raisin,  by  a  ball  in  the 
flesh  of  the  thigh;  and  from  the  window  of  the 
house  which  was  appropriated  for  an  hospital, 
was  a  witness  to  the  battle  of  the  22d  of  the  same 


I 


I 


102 


mmtli;  and  ;ifti'r  the.  '*tjrrcnd':;r,  I  bping  but  slight- 
ly wonmli'd  pr<>[v)sctl  marching  with  the  rest  of 
th''  prisoners,  and  was  prevented  by  the  order  of 
a  British  ofFi  -er,  wh,>  said  that  a  guard  would  be 
left  to  take  care  of  the  vvoiinded,  and   carrioles 
would  be  sent  for  them  to  ride  in  to  Maiden,  on  the 
next  morning.     But  to  my  astonishment  no  guard 
was  Itift,  and  ab.>ut  sunrise  on  the  morning  of  the 
23d.  a  party  of  Indians  returned  to  the  hospital 
and  the  first  Indian  that  came  to  the  room  I  was 
lodged  in,  could  sj)cak  the  English  language.     He 
was  asked  by  one  of  the  wounded  what  was  to  be 
done  with  the  wounded.     He  replied  they  were 
all  to  be  killed  that  could  not  walk;  and  shortly 
aftt  r,  a  general  massacre  commenced.     1  instant- 
ly put  on  n)y  kn!ipsiick,and  went  out  of  the  house; 
my  knajwati^  was  d«-m-inded  by  an  Indian  at  the 
door,  to  whom  I  gave  it.     He  conducted  me  to  a 
log  sonv.  little  distance  from  the  house,  on  which 
I  sat  down,  where  1  witnessed  the  butchery  of 
many  of  my  follow  citizens,  sufftrers  by  the  toma- 
hawk an  I   scalping  knife,  and  to  finish  the  scene, 
set  fire  to  the  houses  occupied  by  the  wounded 
prisoners  many  of  them  struggling  in  the  arms  of 
death  put  their  heads  out  of  the  windows  whilst 
enveloped  in  smoke  and  flames     After  this  bloody 
work  '  iis  finished,  I  was  marched  off  on  the  di- 
rection towards  Brownstown,  by  an  Indian,  and 
when  ab6ut  half  a  mile  from  Frenchtown  on  our 
way,  was  overtaken  by  two  Indians  who   had 
Captain  Hart  in  custody,  mounted  on  a  horse.   As 
they  approached  nearly  to  us,  I  noticed  they  were 
speaking  loud  and  animated  as  if  in  a  quarrel,  but 
not  understanding  their  language  did  not  under- 
stand what  passed  between  them,  but  think  it  is 
probable  that  the  quarrel  was  occasioned  respect- 
in*'  one  hundred  dollars  which  I  understood  Cajit. 


"••»•-■«"•>• 


■mii^  !»■ 


sr,  I  being  but  slight- 
ling  with  the  rest  of 
nted  by  the  order  of 
jat  a  guard  would  be 
unded,  and   carrioles 
le  in  to  Maiden,  on  the 
atonisbmcnt  no  guard 
n  the   morning  of  the 
irned  to  the  hospital 
[le  to  the  room  I  was 
i^iiglish  language.     He 
iiided  what  was  to  be 
le  replied  they  were 
lot  walk;  and  shortly 
Timenced.     I   instant- 
went  out  of  the  house; 
i  by  an  Indian  at  the 
tie  conducted  me  to  a 
I  the  house,  on  which 
ssed  the  butchery  of 
suflirers  by  the  toma- 
nd  to  finish  the  scene, 
)icd  by  the  wounded 
ruggling  in  the  aims  of 
if  the  windows  whilst 
ics     After  this  bloody 
Tiarched  off  on  the  di- 
vn,  by  an  Indian,  and 
m  Frenchtown  on  our 
vo  Indians  who   had 
lounted  on  a  horse.   As 
LIS,  I  noticed  they  were 
las  if  in  a  quarrel,  but 
boguage  did  not  under- 
n  them,  but  think  it  is 
^as  occasioned  respect- 
lich  I  understood  Cajit. 


103 

Hart  had  given  to  one  of  the  Indians  aforesaid,  to 
convey  him  to  fort  Maiden.     The  quarrel  appear- 
ed to  grow  very  warm,  so  much  so,  that  the  In- 
dians took  aim  at  each  other  with  their  guns,  and 
as  if  to  settle  the  dispute  it  appeared  to  me  as  if 
they  had  mutually  agreed  to  kill  Captain  Haj-t 
and   plunder  him  of  the  rest  of  his  money  and 
effects,  which  they  did,  by  taking  him  off  his  horse, 
then  knocked  him  down  with  a  war  club,  scalped 
and  tomahawked  him,  and  stript   him   nakjed, 
leaving  his  body  on  the  ground.     I  was  giatified 
in  observing  that  during  this  scene  of  trial.  Captain 
Hart  refrained,  from  supplication  or  intrcaty,  but 
appeared  perfectly  calm  and  collected.     He  met 
his  fate  with  that  firmness  which  was  his  particular 
characteristic.     No  other  prisoner  of  our  ai  my  of 
the  United  States  was  present  to  witness  this  nw 
lancholy  scene,  the  death  of  Captain  Hart.     Dur- 
ing my  captivity  with  the  Indians,  five  days  only, 
1  wae  treated  with  more  hospitality  than  I  had 
any  reason  to  expect,  much  more  so  than  I  ex- 
perienced from  the  British,  after  1  was  ransomed 
at  Detroit,  by  Mr.    Benjaitiirf  Chittdnden,  who 
will  ever  be  entitled  to  my  utmost  gratitude;  by 
him  I  was  humanely  treated,  and  also  by  some  of 
the  French  Canadians. 

ALBERT  (his  X  mark)  AM  MERMAN. 

Pendleton  county,  as. 

I,  William  Mountjoy,  one  of  the  common- 
wealths' justices  of  the  peace,  for  the  state  of 
Kentucky,  in  and  for  said  county,  do  certify  that 
the  foregoing  certificate  of  Albert  Ammermau, 
was  subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me 

Given  under  my  hand  this  21st  day  of  April, 

1813. 

WM.  MOUNT.JOY. 


•P"li*<f" 


'  ■ 'tH" 


1*. 


104 

Lexingtm,  Ainl  l3</i,  l«i;^; 

You  retjuest  of  me  a  statement  of  facK  with- 
in my  own  knowledge  concerning  thr  murder  of 
our  men  after  the  battic  and  surrender  at  French- 
town. 

1  was  one  of  thoae  who  was  taken  by  the  In- 
dians on  the  retreat,  about  one  and  a  half 
inilcs  ii  om  where  the  action  f««st  commenced.  Just 
befvK  we  were  taken,  with  tlie  assistance  of  Lieu- 
tenant Thinn,  belonging  to  the  militia,  1  formed 
between  (ifteen  and  twenty  men,  1  then  discovered 
the  lod'-'iis  runi\ing  upon  us  on  each  side  and  in 
front,  uluut  sixty  in  number,  with  their  arms  at  a 
trail.  I  disrovcnd  there  was  no  chance  to  repel 
them.  I  ordered  the  men  to  ground  their  arms 
which  was  done:  the  Indians  ther>  cam.  up  and 
secured  the  arms  of  our  men,  anu  shot  them,  in- 
ftluding  the  Lieutenant  before  mentioned.  1  was 
the  only  le  saved.  1  as  taken  and  delivered 
up  to  Coiooel  Elliott  a  British  onicer. 

As  to  the  mi'   ler  of  the   woui  '< '      I  know 


ftothi  igof  my 


lAiowledgo. 
i  our  obedient   ervant, 

A.  GAR^^En 


Hon.  Jesse  Bitdsoe. 
Fayette  county,  ss. 

This  day  ^  ieutenant  \sl..on  Ga  rett,  ol  the 
17th  regiment  .  S., infantry,  came  before  me, 
and  made  oath  that  the  foregoing  statrnient  is 
just  and  true  ^o  the  best  of  i»is  knowledge  and  be- 
lief. .  r    A      -t 

Given  und     my  hand   his  LSth  day  of  Apnl, 
1«13. 

iOHN  H«  MORTON,  J.  P. 


'■U  mh,  1H13. 

temrnt  of  farts  with- 
frniiig  the  murder  of 
8UI  render  at  French- 
was  taken  by  the  In- 
lUt  one  and  a  half 
irst  commencf  d.  Just 
lie  assistance  of  Lieu- 
the  militia,  1  formed 
len,  I  then  discovered 
8  on  each  side  and  in 
•,  with  fheirurma  at  a 
as  no  chance  tf)  repel 
to  ground  tSieir  arms 
18  the''  cam  up  and 
:n,  anu  shot  them,  in- 
are  mentioned.  1  was 
is  taken  and  delivered 
ih  oflicer. 

e  woui  ^'''    I  know 
dge. 
lient    ervant, 

A.  GARnEn 


\.8l.»,on  Garrett,  ol  the 

itry,  came  before  me, 

foregoing  stutt  nient  is 

his  knowledge  and  be- 

his  13th  day  of  Aprij, 
MORTON,  J.  P. 


on 
in 


168 


Btate  of  Kentucky,  >  ^^^ 
Fayette  couniy,     $ 

Personally  appeared  before  me,  a  justi      of  the 

Ceace  for  the  county  aforesaid,  Charles  Bradlor  !,  an  in- 
ahitant  of  the  town  of  Lexington,  state  of  Kentucky, 
who  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evanp;eli3t8,  deposeth 
and  saith,  that  he  was  in  the  actions  at  .he  r  cr  Haisin, 
the  18th  and  22d  January  last;  that  he  wa!>  w  nded 
the  right  hip  and  remained  at  Frenchtown  alter  the 
cajiiiulation;  that  en  the  22d  before  the  prisoners  (who 
were  able  to  walk)  were  marched  for  iVIalden,  he  saw 
Captain  William  Klliott,  with  who  n  he  had  been  former- 
ly  acquainted,  and  of  whom  he  inquired  personally,  what 
would  he  done  with  the  wounded  prisoners?  Whether 
they  would  be  taken  to  Maiden  that  evening  with  the 
other  prisoners,  or  not?  He  said  they  would  not  be  taken 
to  Maiden  that  evening,  but  a  strong  guard  would  be  left 
to  protect  them  against  any  outrage  the  Indians  might  be 
disposed  to  commit.  Elliott  had  a  iimdar  conversation 
with  Major  Graves,  Captains  Hart  and  Hickman,  and 
Doctors  i'odd  and  Bowers,  in  the  presence  of  thi  iepo- 
nent.  He,  Elliott,  further  stated  that  sleighs  w ouU!  be 
sent  to  convey  the  wounded  to  Maiden  the  next  morning. 
This  deponent  further  says  that  the  British  marched 
away;  no  guard  was  left  to  protect  the  wounded,  and  that 
Captain  Elliott  when  asked  the  reason,  observed  that 
some  interpreters  were  left  whose  influence  among  the 
Indians  was  greater,  and  that  they  were  better  able  to 
protect  us  than  a  guard.  About  two  or  three  o'clock  in 
the  morning  of  the  23d  January,  thiadepanent  discovered 
that  the  interpreters  had  left  the  house  in  which  he  was, 
and  he  never  saw  them  afterwards;  that  between  day 
light  and  sunrise,  on  the  23d,  he  saw  a  large  number  of 
Indians  co|N  to  the  house,  they  l)urstopen  the  door,  and 
in  a  few  minutes  commenced  plundering  the  prisoners, 
and  tomahawking  those  who  were  unable  to  walk.  This 
deponent  left  the  hoi  -■  ><?  soon  as  possible,  and  went  into 
the  yard  where  a  nu  i  f  is  fellow  prisoners  had  as- 

sembled; he  was  thrrt  claim  a  prisoner  by  an  Indian, 

who  gave  him  some  articl  i.   <    .^old  whilst  he  plundered 
mon  .    At  this  time  he  waa  standing  with  Doctor  Bower 
nd  James  E.  Blythe,  when  an  Indian  without  any  pro- 
n' ation,  totoahawked  Blythe  and  scalped  him.     Shortly 

22 


166 

after,  t^ey  (t^e  Indiann)  set  fire  to  the  hou-^es  In  whirh 
the  w   i.ndcd  had  hcen  quartered,  ami  burnt  thctn  ddwn 
with  ihc  bodies  of  those  whom   they  had  murdered. 
This  deponent  was  then  tal«     hy  the  Indians,  in  company 
with  Doctor  Bower,  Charh:     »earU,  Juliui    Turner,  aii 
several  others  to  Sandy  creek;  that  on  the  way  he  saw  a 
number  ol  the  priwners  whb  had  been  tomahiwkid;  tl\at 
whilst  at  Sandy  creclc  they  murdered  Ch vrl.*   -veails, 
Thomas  S.  «  row,  and  three  or  four  others;  that  ihis  de- 
ponent was  then  packed  with  forty  or  fiftv  pounds  w.  i^ht 
aiul  takt  n  to  the  river  Rouge  where  the  Indians  had  en- 
camped;  that  whilst  he  was  there  he  inquire  d of  an  Indian 
whether  he  would  take  him  to  Midden,  as  he  wished  to 
be  given  to  Colonel  Elliott.     The  Indian  said  if  Colonel 
Elliott  told  him  to  do  so  he  would,  as  they  alway*  did  as 
he  requested  them.     T'lia  deponent  was  six  days  with 
the   Indians  before   t'.cv  took  him  to  Detroit,  where  he 
was  purchased  by  St.  ohen  vMack  and  Oliver  vV.  Miller, 
for  eighty   dollars;  that  the   British  officer  commanding 
at  Detroit  (Major  Muir)  again  claimed  him  as  a  British 
pria(nier,  notwithstanding;  his  having  just  been  ransomed 
from  their  allies,  (by  his  own  countrymen)  and  sent  him 
to  Sandwich,  where  he  remained  until  the  9th  or  lOth 
February,  when  he  was  sent  to  fort  George,  and  there 
paroled.     This  deponent  states,  that  whilst  a  prisoner  at 
Sandwich,  he  was  several  times  treated  insultingly  by  the 
British  officers,  and  by  one  John  M'Gregor;that  the  citi- 
zens genet  Uy,  treated  the  prisoners  with  kindness  and 
attention,  as  far  as  was  in  their  pov  er. 

This  being  the  first  opportunity  the  deponent  has  had 
of  expressing  his  gratitude  to  the'  Americaii  citizens  who 
treated  the  prisoners  with  hi>  much  friendship  and  huma- 
nity at  Detroit,  cannot  reli  ain  fr'nn  so  doing.  And  as 
long  as  he  lives  the  names  of  Messrs.  iVlack,  Miller, 
Smart,  Woodward,  Williams,  M' Donald,  Hunt,  Mays, 
&c.  shall  never  be  forgotten. 

tHAS.  BRADFORD. 

Sworn  md    (ibscribed  to,  before  me,  this  twenty  ninth 
day  of  April,  1813. 

OLIVER  KIEN,  J.  P. 


«^./t'±/il3v»i*-f 


to  the  houies  In  whirh 
d,  and  burnt  thctn  dowa 
m   they  had   murdered, 
the  Indians,  in  company 
irU,  Julius    Turner;  uii 
that  on  the  way  he  saw  a 
1  been  tomahawki-J;  tiiat 
urdered  Chirlos  ^earU, 
four  others;  that  ihis  dc- 
ty  or  fittv  pounds  wc  ii;ht 
'here  the  Indians  had  en- 
:  he  inquired  of  an  Indian 
Midden,  as  he  wished  to 
1e  Indian  said  if  Colonel 
dd,  as  they  always  did  as 
inent  was  six  clays  with 
»im  to  Detroit,  where  he 
k  and  Oliver  vV.  Miller, 
ritish  officer  commanding 

claimed  him  as  a  British 
wing  just  been  ransomed 
:ountrymen)  and  sent  him 
ned  until  the  9th  or  10th 
Lo  fort  George,  and  there 
I,  that  whilst  a  prisoner  at 
treated  insultingly  by  the 
in  M'Gregor;that  the  citi- 
isoners  with  kindness  and 
pov  er. 

jitv  the  deponent  has  had 
he  American  citizens  wh» 
uch  friendship  and  huma- 
frnm  so  doing.  And  as 
)f   Messrs.   iV|ack,  Miller, 

M' Donald,  Hunt,  Mays, 


[AS.  BRADFORD. 
efore  mc,  this  twent)-  ninth 


.IVER  KIEN.  J.  P. 


(Copy.) 


SIR, 


i«r 


United  Stnten''  ah'ft  M'trfinon^ 

Sackett\t  Harbor  4r/i  y««f,  1813. 


I  have  the  honor  to  present  you,  by  the  hands  of 
L  ciuenant  Dudley,  the  British  standard,  taken  at  York, 
on  ihi-  i7\h  of  April  last,  accompanied  by  the  mace,  over 
which  was  hung  a  human  scalf). 

These  articles  were  taken  from  the  parliament  house 
by  one  of  my  officers,  and  presented  to  me.  The  scalp  I 
caused  to  be  presented  to  (ieneral  Dearborn,  who,  I  be- 
lieve, still  has  it  in  his  possession.  1  also  send,  by  the 
same  gentleman,  one  of  the  British  flags,  taken  at  fort 
George  on  the  27th  of  May. 

1  havf  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully  Sir, 

Your  raostobt  humble  servant, 

ISAAC  CHAUNCEY. 
Hon.  W.  yonfit^  Secretary  Navif,  Waihinnlan, 

A  true  copy  from  the  original,  filed  in  the  Navy  De- 
partment, Juiy,  ^2d,  1813. 

W.  JONES. 


No.  9. 
Outrages  at  Hampton,  in  Vtrginia, 

Extract  of  a  letter  fram  General  Taulor,  to  Admiral  Wag- 
ren,  dated  H.  ^  Norfolk,  29th  June,  1813. 

"  I  have  heard  with  grief  and  astonishment  of  the 
excesses  both  to  property  and  persons  committed  by  the 
land  troops  who  took  possession  of  Hampton.  The  re- 
spect I  enturtain  for  your  personal  character,  leads  me 
to  make  known  these  excesses.  It  would  not  become  mc 
to  suggest  what  course  of  mquiry  and  punishment  is  due 
to  the  honor  of  your  arms.  But  the  world  will  suppose 
thosi  acts  to  have  been  approved,  if  not  excited,  which 
are  passed  over  with  impunity.  I  do  not,  however,  de- 
precate any  measures  y.ou  may  think  necessary  or  proper, 
but  am  prepared  for  any  species  of  warfare,  which  yo« 
may  be  disposed  to  prosecute.  It  is  for  the  sake  of  hu- 
manity I  eater  this  protest. 


n 


Ida 


«  We  are  in  this  part  of  the  country  merc-W  m  the  no* 
viciate  of  our  warfare  The  character  it  w.U  hereafter 
assume,  whether  of  mildness  orferocjty,  will  materially 
depend  on  the  first  operations  of  our  arms  and  on  the 
personal  character  and  dispositions  of  the  respective 
commanders.  - 

"For  myself,  I  assure  you  most  solemnly,  that  i 
neither  have  authorised,  nor  will  sanction  any  outrage  oa 
humanitv  or  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare.  On  the  con- 
trary  I  think  it  due  no  less  to  my  personal  honor  than  to 
that  of  my  country,  to  repress  and  punish  every  excess. 
I  hope  that  these  sentiments  will  be  reciprocated.  It  will 
depend  on  you  whether  the  evils  inseparable  from  a  state 
of  war,  shall  in  our  operations,  be  tempered  by  the 
mildness  of  civilized  life,  or  under  your  authority,  be  ag- 
gravated by  all  the  fiend-like  passions  which  can  be  m> 
stilled  into  them." 

His  Britannic  Majesty's  ship  San  Dcmingo, 

Hampton Roadsy  Chesapeake,  June^^thy  1813. 

SIR 

'l  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 

this  dav,  stating  that  vou  had  communicated  to  your  go- 
vernment the  proposal  of  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  and 
also,  that  some  excesses  had  been  committed  by  the 
troops  in  the  late  affair  at  Hampton.  I  have  communi- 
cated to  my  friend,  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith,  the  commander 
of  his  Majesty's  forces  on  shore,  this  part  of  your  letter, 
and  he  will  have  the  honor  of  writing  to  you  upon  the 
points  to  %vhich  it  alludes. 

I  beg  leave  to  assure  you  th^t  it  is  my  wish  to  alleviate 
the  misfortunes  of  the  war  commenced  against  my  coun- 
try, by  every  means  in  my  power;  at  the  same  time  1  ain 
prepared  to  meet  any  result  that  may  ensue  between  the 
two  nations. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir, 

Your  most  o1>edient  faithful  humble  servtr 
rSigned)        JOHN  BOllLASE  WARREN, 

Admiral  oj  the  hluey  an'' commander  mchtfj. 

Brigadier  General  Taylor,  comvtarJing  the 
United  States  forces  it  Fxynpton. 

A  true  copy.  »     i  n 

JAMES  MAURICE,  Major,  JLtmg  A,  A.  G, 


try  meic'y  ift  the  no* 
:ter  it  will  hereafter 
ocity,  will  materially 
(ur  arms  and  on  the 
Qs  of  the  respective 

nost  solemnly,  that  I 
notion  any  outrage  on 
rarfare.  On  the  con- 
)ersonal  honor  than  to 
1  punish  every  excess, 
reciprocated.  It  will 
separable  from  a  state 
be  tempered  by  the 
your  authority,  be  ag- 
isions  which  can  be  in* 


San  Dcmingo, 
peakeyyune29thyi6lQ. 

■eceipt  of  your  letter  of 
imunicated  to  your  go- 
lange  of  prisoners,  and 
een  committed  by  the 
»n.  I  have  communi- 
:kwith,  the  commander 
this  part  of  your  letter, 
riting  to  you  upon  the 

t  is  my  wish  to  alleviate 

•need  against  my  coun- 

;  at  the  same  time  I  am 

may  ensue  between  the 


ir, 

faithful  humble  servtr 

E  WAKREN, 

,  an>^'  commander  in  chifj". 

h^^ing  the 
imptQiu 

,  Major,  Aiting  A.  A.  G. 


"•W 


""^W^- 


169 

His  Mijestu^s  ship  San  Domingo,  Jrme  29/A,  18tS. 

SIR,  .       , 

Admiral  Sir  John  Warren  havmg  communicated  to 

ine  the  contents  of  your  letter,  I  lose  no  time  in  assur- 
ing vou  that  your  wish  cannot  exceed  mine  to  carry  on 
war  with  every  attention  to  the  unfortunate  individuals 
in  whose  immediate  vicinity  military  operations  may  take 
place.  In  this  spirit  I  shall  vie  with  jou  to  the  utmost. 
At  the  same  time  I  ought  to  state  to  you,  that  the  exciesses 
of  which  you  complain  at  Hampton,  were  occasionJki  by 
a  proceeding  of  so  extraordinary  a  nature,  that  if  I  had 
not  been  an  eye  witness,  I  could  not  have  credited  it. 
At  the  recent  attempt  on  Craney  Island,  the  troops  in  a 
barge  sunk  by  the  fire  of  your  guns,  clung  to  the  wreck  of 
the  boat  Several  Americans,  I  assure  you  most  so- 
lemnly, waded  off  from  the  Island,  and  in  presence  of  all 
engaged,  fired  upon,  and  shot  these  poor  fellows.  With 
a  feeling  natural  to  such  a  proceeding,  the  men  of  that 
corps  landed  at  Hampton. 

That  occurrences  of  that  kind  may  never  occur  agam, 
and  that  the  troops  of  each  nation  may  be  guided  by  sen- 
timents of  honor  and  humanity  is  the  earnest  wish  of  Sir, 

Your  very  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  SIDNEY  BECKWITH,  ®.  M.  Gen. 

To  Brigadier  General  Taylor,  commandingr 
th^^  United  States  troops,  Norfolk. 

Jfi,  true  copy. 

I  AMES  M  AURICE,  Major,  Acting  A.  A.  G. 


Headquarters,  Norfolk,  July  1,  18W. 

It  affords  me  the  highest  satisfaction  to  receive  your 
assurance  ihat  you  wish  "  to  carry  on  war  with  every  at- 
tentiua  to  the  unfortunate  individuals  in  whose  imme- 
diate vTcinitv  military  operations  may  take  place."  Such 
sentiments  can  alone  give  splenflor  to  courage,  and  confer 
Iinnor  on  milittn-y  skill.  Worthless  is  the  laurel  steeped 
in  female  tears,  and  joyless  the  conquests  which  have  in- 
flicted needless  woe  on  the  peaceful  and  unresisting. 


I 


B'-BteVWAlA  tJ,lPlUMil 


.,! 


,. 


iro 

The  frankness  with  which  you  admit  the  excesses  at 
Hampton  is  a  guarantee  against  the  repetition. 

I  cannot  doubt.  Sir,  your  conviction  that  the  scene 
described  by  you  atCraney  I«land,  was  really  acted     But 
thf  very  reason  it  appeared  to  you  incredible  and  inhuman, 
it  should  havt;  been  unauthorised.     Your  own  percepiion 
of  propriety  shall  decide,  if  facts  should  not  have  been  as- 
certained and  redress  demanded,  before  retaliation  was 
resorted  to,  a  retaliation  too,  extravagant  in  its  measure, 
applying  not  to  the  perpetrators  of  thj  alledged  offeree,  or 
their  comrades,  but  to  the  innoeenttfhd  helpless.     I  have 
reason  to  think  that  you  are  mistaken  in  vour  impressions 
ofthe  conduct  of  our  troops  at  Craney  l4land.    That  they 
■waded  into  the  water  on  the  sinking  of  your  boat  is  true; 
but  I  learn  that  it  was  for  the  purpose  of  securing  th-^ir  con- 
quest and  assisting  the  perishing.     One  person.,  perhaps 
more,  was  shot,  but  it  was  only  for  a  continued  e  ort  to 
escape,  after  repeated  offers  of  safety  on  surrender  (such 
at  least  is  the  representation  made  to  me).    If,  however, 
your  yielding  troops  have  been  butchered,  it  in  due  to  the 
honor  of  our  arms  to  disclaim  and  punish  the  enormity. 
The  fame  of  my  country  shall  never  be  tarnished  by  such 
conduct  in  the  troops  under  my  command.     I  have   to 
day  ordered  an  inquiry  into  the  facts,  by  a  board  of  field 
officers.      Proper  measures   shall   be   taken  to    punish 
whatsoever  of  impropriety  may  have  been  committed. 
I  flatter  mjself  vou  will  perceive  in  these  measures  a  dis- 
position to  afford  no  cause  of  reproach  in  any  future  con- 
flict.    When  we  meet  let  us  combat  as  soldiers,  jealous  of 
the  honor  of  our  respective  countries,  anxious  to  surpass 
each  other  as  well  in  magnanimity  as  in  courage 

Accept  Sir,  the  assurance  of  my  consideration  and 
resT^ect. 

(Signed)  ROBERT  B.  TAYLOR, 

Brigadier  General,  commandingi 

To  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith,  ^larter  Master 

General,  ccmnumding  the  land  forces 

of  His  B'  M.  Hampton  Roads, 

JOHN  MYERS,  Aid-de-camp: 


A  copy. 


idmit  the  excesses  at 

?  repetition. 

viction  that  the  scene 

was  really  acted     But 

^credible  and  inhuman. 

Your  own  percepiion 

lould  not  have  been  as- 

before  retaliation  was 
ivagant  in  its  measure, 
th«f  alledged  offeree,  or 
t^d  helpless.  I  have 
:enin  vour  impressions 
ney  Island.  That  thef 
ig  of  your  boat  is  true; 
e  of  securing  thi^ir  con- 
One  person.,  perhaps 
r  a  continued  e  ort  to 
"ety  on  surrt-ndcr  (such 
B  to  me).  If,  however, 
Lchered,  it  is  due  to  the 
d  punish  the  enormity. 
;r  be  tarnished  by  such 
;ommand.  I  have  to 
acts,  by  a  board  of  field 
I  be  taken  to  punish 
have  been  committed. 
1  these  measures  a  dis- 
oach  in  any  future  con- 
itas  soldiers,  jealous  of 
ries,  anxious  to  surpass 

as  in  courage. 

my  consideration  and 

TAYLOR, 

r  General,  commanding' 

r  Master 
the  lami  forces 
^  Hampton  Roads, 

LRS,  Aid-de-camp. 


in 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Brigadier  General  Taylor^  to  the 
Sfcrftarif  ol  War,  dated  Norfolk,  2d  jfult/,  1813. 

I  enclose,  as  was  promised  yesterday,  copies  of  the 
letters  written  to  Admiral  Warren  and  General  Beckwith. 
JNly  aid,  who  carried  them  down  yesterday,  brought  back 
a  letter  from  Admiral  Warren,  of  which  a  copy  is  en- 
closed, and  has  made  a  state nent  of  what  occurred  in  his 
ijoiiference  with  the  General. 

■J  he  letter  of  the  Admiral,  though  polite,  is  certainly 
not  rcsjiunsive  to  any  thing  which  has  occurred,  and  the 
conversation  with  the  general,  though  equally  civil  is  ob- 
viously designftd  to  prevent  any  further  discussion  of  the 
subject.  From  the  report  of  prisoners  and  deserters,  there 
is  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  before  the  attack  on 
Craney  Island,  the  cupidity  of  the  troops  had  been  excited 
by  a  promise  of  the  pillagr  of  Morfolk.  To  inflame  their 
resentment  aftt-r  their  lailure,  and  to  keep  alive  the  hope  of 
plunder  at  Norfolk,  there  is  much  reason  to  fear  that  our 
troops  have  uameritedly  b'^en  charged  with  misconduct 
at  Craney  Island,  and  that  made  a  pretext  for  their  ex- 
cesses and  their  conduct  at  Hampton.  I  entertain  no 
doubt  of  the  justification,  of  the  honor  and  magnanimity 
of  our  men,  by  the  reports  of  the  board  ')f  officers,  i  do 
not  mean  that  the  subject  shall  drop,  but  when  I  com- 
municate the  report,  I  shall  leave  the  British  commander 
the  alternative,  either  of  adopting  similar  measures  in  his 
own  army,  or  remaining  under  the  imputation  of  having 
excited  their  troops  to  commit  these  excesses.  Our 
troops  are  highly  inflamed. 


(Copy.) 

Notes  for  Cafitain  Myers  in  his  interview  zvith  Admiral 

IVarren. 

A  defenceles  3  and  unresisting  town  has  been  given 
up  to  indiscriminate  pillage,  though  ci v ili zed  war  tolerates 
this  only  as  to  fortified  places  tarried  by  assault,  and 
after  summons. 

Individuals  have  been  stripped  naked-  a  mck  mm 
stabbed  twice  i-,  ihe  hospital;  a  sick  man  shot  at  P«;mi)roke 
in  his  bed,  and  \a  the  arms  of  his  wile,  long  after  tlie  de- 


f 


ftat  of  the  troops;  his  wife  also  shot  at  and  wounde<3-a 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kirby.  ,     ,       j  h 

Females  have  been  not  only  assaulted  and  personally 
abused  and  struck,  but  even  violated. 

If  occasion  offers,  notice  may  be  immediately  made  of 
the  information  given  by  prisoners  and  deserters,  ot  ihe 
promise  to  plunder  Norfolk.  »,     j 

As  to  the  imputation  on  our  troops  at  Craney  Island, 
if  Admiral  Warren  should  mention  it,  deny  the  fact,  and 
state  the  actual  conduct  of  our  troops,  in  gomg  into  the 
water  to  assist  their  men,  and  then  giving  them  retresh- 
ments  as  soon  as  they  entered  the  tort.  Reler  to  th« 
conduct  of  all  our  prisoners,  particularly  those  takeo 
from  the  boato  of  the  Victorious. 

JOHN  MYERS,  Captain  and  Ald-de-camp, 


(Copy.)       ^^^^  ^.arters,  Norjslk,  July  2^,  18 1 3.       . 

SIR 

in  obedience  to  your  orders  I  proceeded  yesterday 
with  a  flag  of  truce  to  Admiral  Warren  m  Hampton 
Roads,  to  whom  L  handed  both  the  despatch  for  himself 
and  that  for  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith.  Ihe  Admiral  re- 
ceived  me  with  civility,  and  with  many  acknowledge- 
ments for  the  terms  of  your  letter.  Sir  Sidney  was  on 
shore  at  Old  Point  Comfort.  Feeling  some  difficulty 
about  the  propriety  of  delaying  on  board  for  his  arrival, 
I  was  about  to  depart,  but  Admiral  Warren  expressed  a 
wish  that  1  would  remain,  saying  that  he  would  desire  no 
doubt  to  give  a  reply.  .  .     .       tt  i 

Sir  Sidney  did  not  arrive  till  8  o'clock.  He  expressed 
Rreat  respect  for  the  motives  that  had  actuated  you,  bir, 
fn  the  measures  which  you  were  pursuing.  I  hey  were 
more  than  he  desired.  It  was  sufficient  he  said,  it  your 
own  mind  wp»  satisfied.  He  expressed  regret  at  the 
troutile  that  you  had  taken,  and  much  deference  lor  your 
character,  with  a  resolution  to  vie  with  y-ou  in  etfortc  to 
.confine  future  operations  withm  the  bounds  of  humanity, 
and  the  usages  6f  war.  He  said,  in  allusion  to  the 
pretended  conduct  of  our  men  at  Craney  Island,  that  it 


i^ 


nd  wounded— <a 

.  and  personally 

;d'iate1y  made  of 
deserters,  of  the 

:  Craney  Island, 
:ny  the  fact,  and 
n  going  into  the 
ig  them  refresh- 
Refer  to  th« 
rly  those  taken 


id  Aid-de-camp* 


ly  2d,  1813. 

:eeded  yesterday 
Ten  in  Hampton 
patch  for  himself 
'he  Admiral  re- 
ny  acknowledge- 
Sidney  was  on 
J  some  difficulty 
i  for  his  arrival, 
;rren  expressed  a 
le  would  desire  no 

k.  He  expressed 
actuated  you,  Sir, 
ing.  They  were 
tit  he  said,  if  your 
ied  regret  at  the 
eference  for  your 
h  you  in  effort;:  to 
unds  of  humanity, 
n  allusion  to  the 
ley  Island,  that  it 


iH 

j.>oceeded  no  doubt  from  a  few  of  the  more  disorderln 
I  denied  the  charge  alcogether,  as  I  had  done  in  mv  prei 
vious  mterv.ew.  when  it  was  made  the  justi5cation  of 
thcir  outrages  at  Hampton,  on  the  ground  of  retaliation. 
1   tound  that  it  was  not  his  intention  to  give  to  vour 
despatch  a  written  reply.     By  the  light  manner  in  which 
he  glanced  at  the  sul.ject  of  your  investigation,  I  could 
perceive  that  it  was  pressed  further  than  was  desirable  to 
u       '^^.v-''  ^'''^'  however,  to  be  able  to  report  lO 
you  the  probability  of  a  like  course  of  inquiry  on  his  part* 
and  I  enumerated  the  catalogue  of  abust-s  and  violence 
at  Hampton.     I  mentioned  the  pillage  df  the  town  a.id 
the  wanton  destruction  of  medicine;  t.iat  individuals  had. 
been  stripped  naktU,  a  sick  man  stabbed  twice,  who  wa4 
m  the  hospital;  a  sick  itian  shot  in  his  bfd  at  Pembr.>ke, 
and  in  the  arms  of  his  wife,  who  was  also  shot  at  and 
wounded,  long  after  tiled- feat  of  the  troops,  a  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Kirby;and  finally  the  assault  on  females,  their  beina 
Struck  and  personally  abused,  and  even  violated. 

At  the  mention  of  the  murder  of  Kirby  and  the  wound 
given  to  his  wife.  Sir  Sidney  distinctly  admitediu  the 
others  he  appeared  not  to  be  acquainted  with  the  particu- 
jars  ot,  and  expressed  some  concern  at  it.  He  said  chat 
he  had,  however,  on  coming  to  a  knowledge  of  theif 

conduct  immediately  ordered  the  embarkation  of  the  troop* 
that  were  concerned,  with  a  determination  that  they  should 
not  again  land;  and  that  while  he  was  unable  to  con. 
trol  a  past  event,  the  responsibility  of  a  recurrence 
should  rest  on  himself;  that  the  troops  ut?der  his  com- 
mand  were  8iri.ngers  to  him  on  his  arrival  here,  and  ap. 
pealing  to  my  knowledge  of  the  nature  of  the  war  in  Spain* 
in  which  these  men  (meaning  the  French  corps)  he  said 

***i^^*  V'""**^'  *°'*^  ™''  *^^y  '^""•d  "ot  be  restrained. 
Ihus  far  bethought  he  could  not  give  a  more  con- 
▼incingproof  of  the  sinceHty  of  his  professions  than  inthe 
withdrawal  of  these  troops,  and  that  he  had  moreover, 
just  been  employed  in  finding  a  new  watering  place  oa 
Uack  nver,  in  order  to  remove  from  Hampton,  and  i* 
quiet  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants. 

He  assured  me  that  in  making  such  a  pledge  as  he  was 

doing,  it  should  not  be  lighdy  regarded.     That  he  would 

;.-«ier  send  away  these  troops  or  wait  the  arrival  of  others, 

K,f  new  operations.     He  concluded  by  expressing  a  hope 

«at  ycu,  Sir,  would  in  future  use  no  reserve  in  communis 

33 


I)  I 


r 

i.. 
Hi)   \ 


V]\ 


17i 

gating  any  subject  of  impropriety;  and  on  his  part,  th*t 
he  sliould  cerfainly  do  so,  with  ii  due  regard  to  the  libe- 
rality of  your  conduct;  he  hoped  the  subject  \  »8  at  rest-*^ 
I  iDok  my  leave. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
Very  respectfully, 

Your  most  obedient  servant^ 

JOHN  MYKRS, 

Cuptain  and  Aid-de-camp, 
Brigadier  General  Robert  B.  Taylor,  Norfolk. 


Extracts  of  a  letter  from  General  Taylor  to  Sir  Sidney 
Bfciwiih,  ^uirter  Mustir  General,  commanding  the 
land  force  of  H.  B.  M.  at  Hampton  Roads,  dated  Head 
^uirters,  July  J,  1813. 

«'  I  have  now  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you  the  pro- 
•ecdJttgs  of  the  board  of  officers  convened  to  inquire  in- 
to the  transactions  at  Craney  Island.  They  doubtless 
will  convince  you  that  in  that  affair  the  American  troops 
merited  no  censure;  that  their  conduct  wa-  distinguished 
by  humanity  nnd  magnanimity;  and  that  the  distance  to 
which  you  were  removed  from  the  scene,  by  rendering  it 
impossible  that  you  could  be  informed  of  the  motives  of 
their  conduct,  unh.  ^pily  led  you  to  draw  conclusions 
equally  mistaken  and  unmerited.  ^ 

'•  You  have  done  me  the  justice  to  declare  that  the 
ineasurcB  pursued  by  me,  evince  a  disposition  to  permit 
in  my  troops  no  abuses  on  humanity  or  the  laws  of  autho* 
rised  war.  As  i  cannot  doubt  the  existence  of  similar 
sentiments  with  you,  1  have  a  right  to  expect  on  your 
part,  measures  equally  decisive  and  unambiguous.  If  I 
have  deemed  it  needful  to  forbid  openly  to  my  whole 
army  all  acts  of  impropriety,  and  to  direct  a  public  inves- 
tigation of  charges  believed  to  be  unmerited,  but  having 
the  sanction  of  your  imputation,  I  put  it  to  your  candor 
to  determine,  if  excesses  in  your  troops,  aduiitted  by 
yourself,  and  some  of  them  of  the  most  atrocious  charac- 
ter should  pass  unnoticed.  My  conduct  and  your  de- 
clarations, give  me  a  claim  to  ask  that  these  excesses  be 
punished.  Your  army  will  then  leaifU  the  abhorrence 
you  te«l  for  »uc>^  acts,  and  b«  restrained  by  the  fear  «( 


■'■**, 


on  his  part,  thAt 

gard  to  the  \ibe- 
lect  \  18  at  rcBt-i-i^ 


It  servant^ 

J  Aid-de-camp, 
rfolk. 


lor  to  Sir  Sidney 

coinmaiiding  the 

oads,  dated  Head 

t  to  you  the  pro- 
>ed  to  inquire    in- 

They  doubtless 
American  troops 
v'd^  distinguished 
t  the  distance  to 
e,  by  rendering  it 

of  the  motives  of 
Iraw  conclusions 

declare  that  the 
osition  to  permit 
the  laws  of  autho* 
istence  of  similar 
o  expect  on  your 
ambiguous.  If  I 
nly  to  my  wholtf 
:ct  a  public  inves- 
srited,  but  having 
it  to  your  candor 
lops,  adiiiitted  by 
atrocious  charac*  . 
let  and  your  de- 
these  excesses  be 
a  the  abhorrence 
d  by  the  fear  ©f 


your  indignation,  from  similar  outrages.  But  if  the** 
admitted  excesses  are  passed  by,  the  impunity  of  the  past 
will  be  construed  by  your  troops  into  an  encouragement 
of  future  outrages,  and  your  own  humane  intentions  b« 
completely  defeated.  Neither  can  you  be  unmindful  of 
the  propriety  of  taking  fram  my  army  the  pretexts  for 
improprietj,  by  a  knowledge  of  effectual  restraints  on 
yours. 

"  I  am  fully  impressed  with  the  liberality  of  your  con- 
duct in  promising  to  remove  the  troops  who  committed 
the  outrages  at  Hampton,  from  the  opportunity  of  repeat- 
ing these  enormities.     But  besides,  that  my  confidence 
ID  the  gallantry   of  the   American  troops  forbids  me  to. 
desire  any  diminution  of  youi  force,  and  such  a  measur* 
being  liable  to  misconception  by  our  own  troops,  might 
not  attain  your  object      The  rank  and  file  of  an  army 
seldom  reason  very  profoundly,  and  however  erroneously, 
might  ascribe   their  withdrawal  to  the  desertions  which 
have  on  every  opportunity  taken  place  in  that  corps,  and 
m  their  unwillingness,  if  any  should  have  been  displayed, 
to  fire  on  the  American  troops.     If  this  should  linfortu- 
nately  be  the  case,  your  force  will  be  diminished,  without 
securing  the  great  ends  of  discipline  and  humanity,  for 
which  you  had,  with  so  much  liberality,  made  the  sacri- 
ftce.     1  am  the  more  pressing  on  this  subject,  because  I 
hme  reason  to  believe  that  even  since  your  assurance, 
though  unquestionably  against  your  wishes,  veryimpro' 
per  acts  have  been  committed  by  the  troops  on  James 
liver,      l  he  don«stic  property  of  peaceah'e  private  ci- 
tmcns,  respecied  by  a!l  .iwilized  nations,  has  been  pillaged, 
and  what   urMiehed  no  allurements  to  cupidity,  has  been 
wantonly  'cf;;.. -d  and  denti.iyed. 

*'Ifsucha  r\.,ue  cither  directed  or  sanctioned,  it  is 
important  to  .-  and  to  the  world,  to  know  what  species  of 
wartare  the  arms  of  Great  Britain  mean  to  wage.  If  au- 
thorised, It  will  be  of  little  practical  avail  to  know  that  the 
director  of  these  arms  entertains  the  most  liberal  personal 
dispositions,  while  these  dispositions  remain  dormant 
2'>d  inoperative. 

*'  It  I  am  troublesome  on  this  subject,  charge  it  to  mr 
anxious  desire  that  nothing  may  occur  to  embitter  our 
Qwn  teelings  and  those  of  our  respective  nations.  In  the 
progress  of  t''e  war  charges  of  inhumanitv  have  unhappily 
twe*  frequent  and  reciprocal.     I  am  not'inditfcreut  to  th!e 


176 

R)ffiin7  which  such  a  charge  fixe*,  on  the  officer,  wh«i 
tither  encourages  or  ptrmiu  it,  I  derive  the  highest; 
•atisfaction  iruin  the  assurances  you  h^ve  given  of  similar 
sentimeiua.  We  have,  Sir,  become  enemkies,  by  the  s*^ 
cred  obligations  we  owe  our  respective  countries.  But; 
on  the  great  and  expanded  subject  of  human  happinesa, 
v,e  Hhould  be  friends  by  the  sympathy  of  our  feelings. 
Let  us  then  cordially  unite,  and  exercisirx^  effectually  the 
powers  with  which  our  governments  have  invested  us,  give 
to  our  warfare  a  character  of  magnanimity,  conferring 
f  qual  honor  ou  oursel  /es  and  on  our  countri,es." 


Extract  f/bmGe'itrt:l  0' den.    Norfdk^ 

Aitistottt  Adjutant  Gintrai\  'ffce,  July  l«f,  ISIS. 

The  General  commanding  has  deemed  it  proper  to, 
remonstrate  against  the  excesses  committed  by  the  Bri* 
tish  troops  who  took  possession  of  Hamptoo.  It  baa 
been  attempted  to  justify  ojr  palUate  these  excesses,  on 
the  ground  of  inhumanity  in  sui»e  of  the  troops  at  Craney 
Island,  who  are  charged  with  having  waded  into  the 
river  and  shot  at  the  unresisting  and  yielding  foe,  who 
clung  to  the  wreck  of  a  boat  which  had  been  sunk  by  the 
fire  of  our  guna. 

Humanity  and  mercy  are  inseparable  from  true 
courage,  and  the  General  knows  too  wcU  the  character 
of  the  troop&  vindei;  his  convn-md,  to  doubt  their  magna* 
nimity  towards  an  unresisting  foe.  \t  is  equally  due  to 
the  honor  of  the  troops  engaged,  and  to  the  hitherto  uir« 
questlpTied  fame  of  the  American  arms,  for  honor  and 
clemency^  that  the  imputation  should  be  itivesti gated. 
If  the  charge  be  well  founded,  the  army  must  be  purified 
by  punishment  for  this  abomination.  If,  as  the  com- 
mander hopes  s^d  believes,  the  conduct;  of  our  troops  has 
been  misconceived^  the  world,  should  have  an  authentic 
record  to  repel  the  imputaiioa. 

He  therefore  directs  that  a  board  of  offictrs  to  consist 
of  Colonel  Freemau,  f  resident,  Lieutenant  Colonels. 
Boykin,  Mason,  and  Head,  do  convene  the  day  afterto- 
morrow,  at  a  place  to  be  appointed  b\  the  President,  for 
the  purpose  of  investigating  thes*  charges,  and  reporf 
accordingly. 

J4MES  MAURICE,  Major,  Act,  Att.  AdGtn. 


le  officer,  what 
-e  the  highoti 
iven  of  similar 
jiies,  by  the  8»- 
ountrics.  But, 
nan  happinesi, 
it'  our  feelings, 
effectually  the 
ivested  us,  give 
ity,  conferring 


n,es^ 


»» 


orf'AK 

'July  !«*,  18t». 

ned  it  proper  to, 
t:d  by  the  Bri- 
nptoo.  It  has 
»e  ei^cesses,  oa 
roops  at  Craney 
waded  into  the 
elding  foe,  vrho 
sen  sunk  by  the 

ble  from  true 
\\  the  character 
bt  their  magna* 
I  equally  due  to 
he  hitherto  unr* 
for  honor  and 
}e  investigated, 
nust  be  purified 
f,  as  the  com- 
r  our  troops  has 
ive  an  authentic 

icers  to  consist 
enant  Colonels, 
the  day  after  to«. 
le  President,  for 
'ges,  and  report 

ku  A»t,  MGtn. 


Iff 

The  evidence  having  been  j»(>ne  through,  the  board  alter 

delibt;ratc  and  mature  consiJeriition    do  pronounce  the 

following  opinion: 

That  it  appears  from  the  testimony  adduced,  that  on 
the  2?d  of  last  month  in  the  action  itt  Craney  Island,  •  vo 
of  the  enemy's  huatt,  in  front  of  their  line  were  sun  .  bv 
the  fire  ot  our  biUteries,  the  Koldiers  and  s  i  ora  who 
were  in  those  boats  were  consequently  afloat  and  in 
danger  of  drowning,  and  being  in  front  of  the  boats  which 
were  uninjured,  to  disable  these  our  guns  were  necessa- 
rily fired  in  a  directiin  of  the  men  in  the  water,  but  with 
no  intention  whatever  to  do  them  further  harm,  but  on. 
the  contrary,  o^:ders  were  given  to  prevent  this  by  ce<ising 
to  fire  grape,  and  only  to  hre  round  shot  It  also  is  sub- 
stantiated that  one  of  the  enemy  who  had  apparently  sur- 
rendered, advanced  tawardst  the  short,  about  one  hun- 
dred yards,  when  he  suddenly  turned  ta  his  right  and  en- 
deavored to  tpnlce  his  escape  to  a  body  of  the  enemv  who 
had  landed  above  the  Island,  and  who  were  then  in  view, 
then,  and  not  till  th^n,  was  he  fired  upon,  to  bring  him 
back,  which  had  the  desired  effect,  and  he  was  taken  un- 
burt  to  the  Island. 

It  further  appears  that  the  troops  on  the  Island  exerted 
themselves  in  acts  of  hospitality  and  kindness  to  the  un- 
resisting and  yielding  foe. 

»*  Therefore  the  board  do,  with  great  satisfaction,  de- 
clare, 9«  thf  ir  nnbiased  opigion,  that  the  charge  alledged 
against  tiie  troops  is  uiisupjjorted,  and  liiai  the  character 
of  the  American  soldiery  for  humanity  and  magnanimi- 
ty, has  not  been  committed,  b\jt  on  the  contrary  conn 
firmed. 

CONSTANT  FREEMAN, 

Colonel  Artillery^  Prtsident. 
ARMISTEAD  T.  MASON, 

UfUt.  Col.  comma'iding  Sth  regt,  hif, 
FRANCIS  M.  BOYKIN, 

Ijeut.  Col.  Qommaiiding^  3d  regt.  inf. 
IHOMAS  HEAD  jr. 

Lieut.  Col       mmanding  artiJJery, 
JOHN  BARBER,  A-rcor^/^r. 

A  true  and  correct  copy. 
JAMES  MAURICE,  Mtjir,  Act.  As.  Ad,  Cm 


(Signed) 


'ri 


ill 


!',.' 


^^ii>iit^i>»«^-      ^M 


.ML. 


99py  ofn  nof  fif> 
dnteH   ..  h 


y/r  SiJneii  B,  chioith  to  (i  tie  rat  Tai)kr, 
tiStn  Domtngo^Jutyft,  1813. 


Quai  icr  Maitrr  tien^rai  Sir  Suliiey  Uctkwith  ^><  ^* 
leave  to  return  his  bcUacknowcdgemtfnts  to  Geiu'-al  Tay- 
lor for  his  p  'ite  coninmnicution,  mid  to  repeat  his  >  arneit 
wish  that  military  oi  tuifuss  Miould  be  carried  on  with 
all  the  liherrtlJty  and  humanitv  which  becomes  the  respec- 
tive u;«tion8.  Anv  infringeni' nt  of  the  CMtabHslicv.  gea 
•f  war  will  inaiai   '■•^'  l>    notice,  and  punishtd. 


to 

1.3, 


tht 


Mi.xtractofati'tter  from  Brigadin   GenTil  Tiyhr 
Hecntanj  of  War,  dited  Norfoli-,  7ih  Jul^, 

•'  I'he  board  of  officpm  conv    ud  to  examinr    the 
charge  brought  against  our  tr' top-        .he  aifair  at  <  ranev 
Jsland,  have   made   such  a  r  ji(>rt  as  an  American   cci 
desire.    1  enclosed  a  copy  ye«t  rday   to  the  Hritish  c 
manderwiih  a  letter,  oi   w^'- h  •  copy  »»  enclosed, 
bearerofmy  despatch  wash  i  flag,  the  officer  of  wbicU 

received  the  despatch,  and  a  tew  hours  after  returned  with 
an  answer,  of  which  a  copy  is  also  enclosed.  I  fear  fronv 
the  generalitv  of  its  terms  that  little  amelioration  of  tl>e 
system  hitherto  practised  is.  to  be  expected;  but  some- 
thing  is  gained  by  placing  the  enemy  so  decidedly  in  the 
wrong  that  the  world  cawiot  doubt  to  whom  is  to  be 
ascribed  any  exceases  which  hereafter  may  be  committed 
on  either  side."  • 


Extract  from  an  official  letter,  ad<lre<ised  by  Myor  Crutch- 
fiild  to  Gowrnor  Barbour,  dated  Tori  ceunty^  HulJ-Way 
Hiuse,  June  20th,  1812. 

"  Tagive  y«ou,  Sir,  an  idea  of  the  savage-like  dispo* 
sition  of  the  enemy,  on  their  getting  possession  of  the 
neighborhood,  would  be  but  a  vain  attempt.  Although 
Sir  Sidney  BecVwith  assured  me  that  no  uneasiness  might 
be  felt  in  relation  to  the  unfortunate  Americans,  the  tact 
is,  that  on  yesterday  there  were  several  dead  bodies  lying. 


1 


oCneralToifhr, 
ufyd,  1813. 

y  lite k  with  ^n  g» 
«loGeiu»-al  Tay- 
repeat  his  cartif  at 
carried  on  with, 
:omcs  the  rcspec- 
iHtabKshcu  iw  igea 
ishffi. 


7/  Tiylir  to    ttu 
I  July,  Id  1.1. 

to  cxaminr    the 
:  alfair  at  <  ramv 

American   co 
>  the  Hritish  coi 
I  enclosed.     T    • 
he  officer  of  whuU 
fter  returned  with 
led.     I  fear  fro  no 
elioralion  of  the 
ected;   but  some- 
1  decidedly  in  the 
to  whom   is  to  be 
nay  be  committed 


by  Myor  Crutch' 
ceiinty.,  HulJ-Way 

savage-like  dispo* 
possession  of  the 
empt.  Although 
I  uneasiness  might 
mericans,  the  tact 
dead  bodies  lying. 


ir 


unburied,  and  the  woundc  ot  eveti  assisted  into  town, 
Hi  Ugh  observed  to  be^  crawling  towards  a  told  and  in. 
hostjiubl.  protection.  The  unfoitunate  females  of  Hamp- 
ton  who  could  not  leave  the  town,  were  sulfcrtdtohe 
abused  in  the  most  sham.lul  manner,  m  ',  cnly  by  thtf 
venal  savage  foe.  but  b\  ihc  unfortunate  and  infatiiat<-d 
blacks  who  were  encouraged  by  iheni  in  their  cxcisses. 
They  pillaged  and  encouraged  every  act  of  murder  anvl 
rapine — killing      poor    -<an  by  the  name  of  Kuby  who 

I  »t  I  he  point  of  death  for  m<ai; 

V  ife  in  the  hip  at  the  same 

"       dfig  while  lying  under  his 

by  was  lying  last  night,  welter* 


had  been  lying  on  his  ^ 
than  six  weeks;  sli 
time,  and  killin^   ' 
feet.      I'lie  murdt 
ing  in  his  bed." 


Extract  of  a  letter  from  Cuptain  Cooper  of  the  cavalry,  I9 
Charles   K.   Mullory,   Esq.     Lieutenant   Govtrnor 
Virginia. 


of 


•^  I  was  yesterday  in  Hampton  with  my  troop;  that  place 
having  been  evacuated  in  the  morning  by  the  British— 
\CP My  bljod  ran  f^old  ul  xvhtit  I suxu  and  heunl.  The  few 
distressed  inhabitants  running  up  in  every  direction  to 
congratulate  us;  tears  were  shedding  in  every  corner— the 
infamous  scoundrels,  monsters,  d.sircutd tvrry  thing  but 
the  houses  and,  (my  pen  is  almost  unwilling  to  describe 
It,)  the  womin  were  ravished  by  the  abandoned  ruffians  I 
Great  God!  my  dear  friend,  can  you  figure  to  yourself 
our  Hampton  females  seized  and  treated  with  violer-:e 
by  those  monsters,  and  not  a  solitary  American  arm  pre- 
sent  to  avenge  their  wrongs?  But  enough,  I  can  no  more 
of  this. 

"  Tiey  have  received  a  reiuforr.ement  of  2,000,  in  all 
6,000  menj  and  Norfolk  or  Richmond  is  their  immediate 
aim.  Proti  c  yourselves  from  such  scenes  as  we  have 
witnessef'  They  retired  in  great  confusion,  leaving  l)e- 
hind  3C  wt.  beef,  muskets,  ammunition,  canteens,  &c. 
&c.  &c.  and  some  <>f  their  men,  which  we  took.  It  is 
supposed  that  they  api)rehcnded  an  immediate  attack 
froni  6000  of  our  men  which  caused  them  to  retreat  so 
precipitately.     My  friend,  rest  assured  of  one  thing,  that 


■   "Tjajw;--*^-  r-.  --^piftilia' 


'jr 


Vhey  cannot  Conquer  Amerirann,  thfj^  cunnot  stand  them: 
U  we  had  had  I  -»JO  men,  we  should  have  kill  !  or  lakeu  the 
greater  [nn  oi'  ihem." 


From  the  «ame  to  the  name,  dateJ  Armlstead^n  Mill^  near 
tlampion,  July  10,  Uu. 

DtAR  rHICND, 

•'  Your  lavor  of  the  7th  has  just  been  received  through 
the  politeness  uf  Major  CrutclWield,  wlio  had  it  lorwaidcd 
to  me  at  this  place.  1  ahi  surprised  lo  hear  thui  you  have 
umuiig  you  a  man  who  would  endi-avor  to  apologize  lor 
the  unprecedented  villany  and  brutal  conduct  ot  the 
entmyin  Hampton.  Be  msurtd  of  one  fad,  that  ihut 
which  I  informed  you  of  in  my  Irnil,  iva.i  strictly  true. 

"  You  request  me  to  make  known  lo  you  a  f t  w  of  the 
distreshing  particulars  in  a  way  wnich  will  force  convic- 
tion upon  the  minds  bf  the  iiicredulous.  I  will  attend  to 
it,  my  friend,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  confound  such 
with  positive  proofs.  At  present  you  must  content  your- 
self with  the  following,  and  btl.tve  it  as  religiously  a.t 
m:y  fad  btyond denial. 

•'  Mrs.  I'Urnbull  was  pursued  up  to  her  waist  in  the 
water  and  dragged  on  shore  by  10  or  12  of  these  ruffiaus» 
who  satiated  their  brutal  tlesires  upon  her,  after  pulling  off 
her  clothes,  stockings,  shoes,  &c.  Ihis  was  seen  by  your 
tacphew  Keith  and  many  others.  Anothef  case — a  niar- 
fied  woman,  her  name  unknown  to  me,  with  her  infant 
child  in  her  arms  (the  child  forcibly  dragged  kwn  her) 
shared  the  same  fate.  Two  young  women,  well  known 
to  many,  whose  names  will  not  be  revealed  at  tuin  tm-, 
suffered  in  like  manner.  *  Doctor  Colton,  Parson  Hal- 
son,  and  Mrs.  Hopkins,  have  informed  me  of  these  par- 
ticulars. Another,  in  the  presence  of  old  Mr.  Hope,  had 
her  gowni  &ic.  &c.  &c.  cut  off  with  a  sword,  and  violence 
offered  in  his  presence,  which  he  e;;dcavored  to  prevent, 
but  had  to  quit  the  room,  leaving  the  unfortunate  victim 

•  The  former  of  these  gentlemen  acted  as  aurgeon  to  the  detachment 
lately  sutioned  at  Hampton,  and  is  a  young  gentleman  ot  theh-st  r>:. 
ipectability.  The  latter  is  president  ot  the  academy  at  th.-i  place,  »n^ 
stands  deservedly  high  m  public  estimatim.  Mrs  Hop.i.-J,  also,  is  ^ 
lady  of  very  high  resi<ei:tabaity,  and  of  themo.'i  .>  i^juesaortaWe  ■sfdrtatf. 


MJaid^iii-^^i- 


m:.  -■r<itmsa>^'' 


unot  stand  them: 
ill    !  ur  iHkeii  the 


tead^t  Mi/i,  near 


received  through 
hud  it  torwurdcd 
;ar  that  you  have 
to  apologiz*  lor 

conduct  ot"   the 
I*  fad,  that  ihut 
rictly  true. 
you  a  f «  w  of  the 
ill  Ibrce  convic- 

I  will  attend  to 
to  confouud  such 
ust  content  your- 
as  religiously  an 

her  waist  in  the 
of  these  rutfiaust 
r,  after  pulling  olf 
was  seen  by  your 
\\ct  case — a  mar- 
,  with  her  infant 
igged  from  her) 
nen,  well  known 
led  at  tiun  ttmr, 
ton,  Parson  Hal- 
me  of  these  par- 
X  Mr.  Hope,  had 
ord,  and  violence 
vored  to  prevent, 
fortunate  victim 

on  to  the  detachment 

leman  of  the  htit  rj- 

jmy  at  th.i  place,  »n^ 

Hoiii.'.'i,  also,  is  ^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


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2.2 

12.0 

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^^^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  canadien  de  microreproductions  historiques 


I8i 


in  their  possession  who  no  doubt  was  abused  in  the  same 
way.  Old  Mr.  Hope  *  himself,  was  strijjpcd  naked, 
pricked  with  a  ba\onet  in  the  arm  and  slapped  in  the  face; 
and  './ere  1  to  mencion  a  hundred  cases  in  addition  to  the 
above,  I  do  not  know  that  I  should  exaggerate." 


Extract  from  a  report  made  to  Mtjar  Crutchfieldby  Tho* 
mas  G tiffin  and  Robert  Ltvtiy,  E.-,qrs.  datfd  York. 
i>t/i  yuly,  1813. 

»'  Upon  reaching  Hampton,  a  scene  of  desolation  and 
destruction  presented  itself—the  few  inhabitants  we  found 
in  town  seemed  not  yet  to  have  recovered  from  their 
alarm:  dismay  and  censternation  sat  on  every  countenance: 
reports  had  reached  us  of  the  violence  and  uncontrolled 
fury  of  the  enemy  after  they  obtained  posRession  of  the 
place;  their  conduct  in  some  cases  being  represented  such 
as  would  have   disgraced  the  days  of  Vandalism.    Our 
feelings  were  much  excited,  and  we  deemed  it  our  duty 
to  pursue  the  inquiry  as  far  as  practicable,  and  are  sorry 
to  say,  that  from  all  the  information  we  could  procure, 
from  sources  too  respectable  to  permit  us  to  doubt,  we  are 
compelled  to  believe  that  acts  of  violence  have  been  per- 
petrated which  have  disgraced  the  age  in  which  we  live. 
The  sex  hitherto  guarded  by  the  soldier's  honor,  escaped 
not  the  rude  assaults  of  superior  fo/ce;  nor  could  disease 
disarm  the  foe  of  his  ferocity.     The   apology  that  these 
atrocities  were  committed  by  the  French  loldiers  attach- 
ed to  the  British  forces  now  in  our  waters,  appeared  to  us 
no  justification  of  those  who  employed  them,  believing,  as 
we  do,  that  an  ofBcer  is,  or  should  be,  ever  responsible 
for  the  conduct  of  the  troops  under  his  command." 


'^0  the  Editor  of  the  Enquirer, 
SIR, 

Having   just  returned  from   Hampton,  where  I 
•  This  worthy  old  gentleman  h  bowmg  beneath  the  pressure  of  aie. 
ke-ng  near  .0  or  oiclc-r:  has  a  numerous  fam.lj',  njcst  of  th«n  sons,  nw 
in  uie  seiyice  oi  their  country. 

24 


:tiii 


II 


- TlriSti '  ■'/'••ihftiy^i'i 


nmntimmwmrt 


188 

made  myself  acquainted  with  all  the  particulars  of  British 
outrage,  whilst  that  pUce  was  in  their  possession,  1  am 
requested  by  many  persons  to  communicate  through  you, 
to  the  public,  the  information  I  have  given  them.     I  do 
this  with  no  hope  or  expectation   of  satisfying  those  wh« 
required  other  testimony  than  Major  Crutchfield  s  or 
Captain  Cooper's.     I  too  well   know  there  are  those 
among  us,  who  will  still  doubt  or  pretend  to  doubt.     But 
as  I  believe  this  class  to  be  few  in  number,  and  insignih- 
cant  in  the  public  estimation;  as  I  firmly  believe  that  a 
large  majority  of  all  politioal  persuasions  are  open  to  con- 
viction and  feelingly  alive  to  their  country's  wrongs;  1 
cannot  withold  from  them  the  facts,  whose  simple  recital 
will,  according  to  their  different  temperament,  mtlame 
them  with  rage  or  fill  them  with  horror. 

My  name  you  are  at  liberty  to  give  to  the  public,  or 
only  to  those  who  inquire  for  it,  as  you  think  proper.  I 
have  reason  to  btrlicve  that  those  who  know  me,  whether 
federal  or  republican,  will  know  and  acknowledge  that 
I  am  incapable  of  publishing  a  falsehood;  and  I  aver,  that 
cverv  statement  inconsistent  with  the  following,  no  matter 
on  whose  authority  it  is  made,  is  untrue;  in  proof  of 
which  1  solemnlv  undertake  before  the  world  to  estabhsh 
every  fact  contained  in  it,  provided  any  ^tvU/emrtf?  will 
sign'his  name  to  a  denial  of  either  of  them. 

I  went  to  Hampton  with  a  determination  of  inquiring 
minutely  into  the  tiulhof  reports,  which  I  hoped,  for  the 
honor  of  a  soldier's  profession  and  of  human  nature,  to 
have  found  exaggerated.    In  the  investigation  I  resolved 
to  depend  on  the  second-hand  relation  ot  no  one,  where 
I  could  mount  to  the   original  source  (.f  evidence;   but 
since,  in  some  cases,  this  was  impracticable,  I  /eel  it  a 
duty,  carefully  to  distinguish  the  one  class  irom  the  other. 
That  the  town  and  country  adjacent  was  given  up  to 
the  indiscriminate  plunder  of  a  licentious  soldiery,  ex- 
cept perhaps  the  house  where  the  head  quarters  were 
fix.d,  is  aa  undeniable  truih,      Every  article  ot  valuable 
property  was  taken  from  it.     In  many  houses  not  even  a 
khire,  a  fork,  or  plate,  was  lett.     Briihh  qfcern  vttrc 
seen  by  Dr.  Colton  in  the  actoi  plundering  a  Mr.  Jones 
sto.e.     His  ..     se,  aUhough  he  remained  m  town,  was 
rifled  and  his  medicine  thrown  into  the  public  street,  just 


Iti'TTiTunum ^iViiiir 


iculars  of  British 
}03seHsion,  1  am 
:ate  through  you, 
ven  them.     I  do 
isfying  those  wha 
Crutchfield's  or 
there  are  those 
d  to  doubt.     But 
ber,  and  insignifi- 
ly  believe  that  a 
3  arc  open  to  con- 
luntry's  wrongs j  I 
ose  simple  recital 
lerament,  inflame 

e  to  the  public,  or 
think  proper.  I 
now  me,  whether 
acknowledge  that 
d;  and  I  aver,  that 
llowing,  no  matter 
ntrue;  in  proof  of 
world  to  establish 
any  gentlemari  yfWi 
lem. 

lationof  inquiring 
ch  I  hopedy  for  the 
human  nature,  to 
'jgation  1  resolved 
i  ot  no  one,  where 
:  of  evidence;   but 
cticable,  I  feel  it  a 
ass  from  the  other. 
It  was  given  up  to 
tious  soldiery,  ex- 
ead  quarters  were 
article  of  valuable 
'  houses  not  even  a 
'rithh  officetH  were 
lering  a  Mr.  Jones* 
lained  in  town,  was 
»e  public  street,  just 


183 

•pposite  where  many  olHcers  took  up  tlipir  quarters,  who 
must  have  been  eye-witnesses  of  the ;  cene.  1  he  church 
was  pillaged,  and  the  plate  belonging  to  it  taken  away, 
although  inscribed  with  the  donor's  name.  The  wind- 
mills in  the  neighborhood  were  stript  of  their  sails.  The 
closets,  private  drawers,  and  trunks  of  the  inhabitant* 
were  broken  open,  and  scarcely  any  thing  seemed  to  be 
too  trifling  an  object  to  excite  the  cupidity  of  the  •  rob- 
bers. Several  gentlemen  informed  me,  that  much  of 
their  plunder  was  brought  into  the  back-yard  of  Mrs. 
Westwood's  house,  where  Sir  Sidney  Beckwith  and  Ad- 
miral Cockburn  resided.  But  1  had  no  opportunity  of 
aeeing  this  lady,  who  it  ivns  Mciid  rvould  testify  to  the  fact. 
In  short,  Hampton  exhibits  a  dreary  and  desolate  appear- 
ance which  no  Am-  ricnn  can  witness  unmoved.  Doctor 
Wardlaw  and  Mr.  John  Ci.  Smith,  of  thi-«  city,  visited  it 
in  company  with  me;  and  their  indignation  was  equal. 
They,  and  every  one,  who  saw  and  heard  what  I  have 
stated,  united  in  execratingthe  monsters  who  perpetrat- 
ed those  enormities;  and  political  distinctions,  if  aw  ex- 
isted, were  lost  in  the  nobler  feelings  of  pity  fc  the  suf- 
ferers, and  a  generous  ardor  to  avenge  their  wrongs. 

Here  it  may  be  necessary  to  notice  a  publication  I  have 
this  moment  read  in  the  Alexandria  Gazette  of  the  12th, 
where  among  other  things,  it  's  said  on  the  authority  of 
a  "  gentleman  who  was  in  Hampton  the  day  after  the 
evacuation  by  the  enemy,"  that  it  was  believed  there 
"  that  nearly  all  the  plundering  was  committed  by  the 
negroes;"  and  that  he  saw  many  "  articles  brought  to  the 
magistrates  which  had  been  secreted  in  negro  houses." 
That  some  plundering  may  have  been  committed  by 
the  negroes  who  (as  I  was  told)  were  embodied  and 
paraded  through  the  streets,  is  probable  enough;  that  the 
expression  of  such  an  opinion  may  have  been  heard  in 
Hampton,  is  likewise  probable;  but  1  do  utterly  deny, 
that  it  is  believed  there  by  any  person  worthy  of  credit, 
that  "  nearly  all  the  plundering  was  committed  by  them." 
Let  the  gentleman,  then,  who  gives  this  account,  state 
from  whom  he  derived  his  information.  Let  him  give 
the  names  of  the  magistrates  who  received  the  plunder 
thus  found,  and  his  ouni;  and  let  him  declare  what  were 
the  main  .irticles  he  saw  brought  in.     I  will  not  directly 


•si 


dM 


f)H!>      'il»" 


184 

hazard  the  tssrrtion,  but  I  am  very  much  inclined  to  be- 
lieve, there  were  no  magistrates  in  the  town  at  the  time 
cpoken  of,  unless  Parson  Holson,  Dr.  Cohon,  or  Captain 
Wills,  are  magistrates;  and  with  all  these  gentlemen  I 
conversed,  and  heard  not  a  whisper  countenancing  the 
statement  in  the  Alexandria  paper.     How  it  is  known 
that  the  negroes  "  had  the  address,"  first  to  impose  on 
the   British  commanders,  and   then  on  the    American 
troops,  which  "  induced  them  to  retreat  to  York,"  and 
leave  Hampton  to  be  plundered  by  these  artful  rogues, 
that  gentlf man  is  left  to  say;  but  that  the  American  troops 
did  not  retire  to  York,  in  consequence  of  such  intorma- 
tion,  is  undoubtedly  true.     Nor  is  it  less  true  thiit  Captain 
Cooper's  troop  arrived  in  time  to  prevent  any  plundering 
of  the  least  consequence,  after   the  evacuation;  and  in 
time  too  to  prevent,  what  many  gendemen  there  believed 
to  have  been  a  plan   concerted  between  the  black  and 
white  allies — the  firing  of  the  town. 

That  "  Admiral  Warren  expressed  his  regret  that  the 
inhabitants  of  Hampton  had  not  all  remained,  as  in  that 
case  no  plundering  would  have  happened,"  is  possible 
enough;  since  it  admits  the  fact  of  the  plundering,  and  is 
conformable  with  the  answer  given  to  Capt.  Wills,  who 
complained  to  Cockburn  and  Beckwith  of  the  destruc- 
tion of  his  private  property.  "  Why  did  you  quit  your 
house?"  said  these  'tpnoriibk  men.  "  I  remained  in  my 
house,"  answerea  ii'octor  Colton,  and  have  found  no 
better  treatment." 

That  Kirby,  who  for  seven  weeks  or  more,  had  been 
confined  to  his'  bed,  and  whose  death  the  savages  only  a 
little  hastened,  was  shot  in  the  arms  of  his  wife,  is  not 
denied.    Those  who  wish  for  further  confirmation,  may 
go  and  take  him  from  his  grave,  and  weep,  if  they  can 
feel  for  an  American  citizen,  over  his   mangled  body. 
They  may  go  to  his  wounded  wife,  and  hear  her  heart- 
rending tule  and  then  they  may  turn  to  the  account  of 
the   irentletnan  and  derive  consolation  from  the  excuse 
(whidi  J  tiiver  heard  J  "  that  it  was  done  in  revenge  for 
the  refusal  of  the  militia  to  give  quarters  to  some  French- 
men who  were  en  board  a  barge  that  was  sunk  by  our 
troops  who  continued  to  fire  on  the  almost  drowning  men, 
when  making  for  the  shore."    This  vile  slander  Ou  our 


inclined  to  be- 
)wn  at  the  time 
lion,  or  Captain 
:sc  gentlemen  I 
Lintenancing  the 
ow  it  is  known 
;  to  impose  on 

the  American 
It  to  York,"  and 
e  artful  rogues, 
American  troops 
if  such  informa- 
rue  thut  Captain 
:  any  plundering 
icuation;  and  in 
n  there  believed 
n  the  black  and 

IS  regret  that  the 
kained,  as  in  that 
ied»"  is  possible 
lundering,  and  is 
Capt.  Wills,  who 
1  of  the  destruc- 
lid  you  quit  your 
remained  in  my 
L  have  found  no 

r  more,  had  been 
;  savages  only  a 

his  wife,  is  not 
3nfirmation,  may 
.■eep,  if  they  can 
i  mangled  body, 
id  hear  her  heart- 
3  the  account  of 

from  the  excuse 
ne  in  revenge  for 
s  to  some  French- 
t  was  sunk  by  our 
st  drowning  men, 
lie  slander  o.our 


185 

troops  will,  I  have  no  doubt,  be  met  in  the  proper  manner 
by  the  gallant  officer  who  commands  them  at  Norfolk. 
But  the  worst  is  to  come. 

I  convrised  with  a  lady  whose  name  is  mentioned  in 
Capt.  Coopei's  letter,  in  company  with  Parson  Holson 
Doctor  Calton,  and  Captain  Wills  Her  story  was  too 
shockinjf  in  its  details  to  meet  the  public  eye.  When  I 
had  (onvinced  her  of  the  object  I  had  in  view  in  visiting 
her — that  it  was  dictated  by  no  impertinent  curiosity,  but 
a  desire  to  ki'ow  the  whole  truth,  to  enable  me  on  the  one 
hand,  to  do  justice  even  to  an  enemy,  or  on  the  other,  to 
electriry  my  countrymen  \\\  n  the  recital  of  her  suffrrings, 
she  dis!;overed  every  thing  which  her  convulsive  strug- 
gles, between  shame  and  a  desire  to  expose  her  brutal  as- 
sailants, would  permit;  This  woman  was  seized  by  five 
or  six  ruffians,  some  of  them  drrssed  m  rid  and  spt<iking 
torrectly  the  E'lglish  hnguage  ——and  slript  naked 
Her  cries  and  her  prayers  were  disregarded,  and  her  body 
became  the  si^iject  of  the  most  abominable  indecencies—- 
She  at  one  time  made  her  escape,  and  ran  into  a  creek 
hard  by,  followed  by  a  young  daughter;  whence  she  was 
dragged  by  the  monsters  in  human  shape,  to  experience 
new  and  aggravated  suffering.  In  this  situation  she  was 
kepi  the  whole  night,  whilst  her  screams  'vere  heard  at 
intervals  by  some  of  the  Americans  in  town,  who  could 
only  clasp  their  hands  in  hopeless  agony. 

Virginian!  Americanl  Friend  or  enemy  of  the  adminis- 
tration, or  of  the  war!  go  as  I  have  done  to  this  woman's 
house,  and  hear  and  see  her.  See  too  her  young  daugh- 
ter on  the  bed  of  sickness,  in  consequence  of  the  abuses 
of  that  night!  and  your  heart,  if  it  be  made  of  "  penetra- 
ble stuff,"  will  throb  with  indignation,  and  a  thirst  for 
revenge;  and  your  hand  instinctively  grasp  the  weapon 
for  inflicting  it. 

A  Mrs.  Briggs  related  to  us,  that  a  woman  who  had 
come  to  Hampton  to  visit  her  husband  who  was  in  the 
militia,  was  taken  forcibly  from  her  side  by  four  soldiers 
in  green,  and  with  her  young  child,  which  one  of  them 
snatched  from  her  arms,  borne  to  the  hospital,  in  spite  of 
her  screams.  They  had  previously  robbed  them  of  their 
rings,  and  attempted  to  tear  open  their  bosoms.  A  Mrs. 
Hopkins,  who  was  not  in  town  when  1  was  there,  obtain- 


i^ 


rnniBiiii^' 


^ 


asa 

fld  the  assistanee  of  an  officer,  and  rescued  the  womatt 
from  her  ravishers,  but  not  until  one  of  them  had  grati- 
fied his  abominable  desires.  I  was  told  by  the  ^intle- 
man  who  accompanied  mei  that  Mrs.  Hopkins  confirmed 
this  statement,  and  would  swear  to  at  least  two  other 
Mses  of  a  similar  kind,  without  however,  giving  up  the 
names  of  the  young  and  reapectable  women  who  suffered. 
Doctor  Colton  and  Captain  Mills,  assisted  by  an  offi- 
cer,  rescued  another  lady  from  the  greatest  of  all  calami- 

tics.  ,  r    IJ 

Old  Mr.  Hope,  aged  as  he  told  Major  Crvitchheld 
(in  my  presence)  6+  or  5  years,  was  seized  by  these 
wretches  and  stripped  of  allhis  clothing,  evf  n  of  his  ahoes 
and  his  shirt.  A  bayonet  was  run  a  little  way  into  his 
arm  behind,  as  if  in  cruel  sport  j  while  several  were  held  to 
his  breast.  In  this  situation  he  was  kept  for  a  considera- 
ble time,  and  would  probably  have  been  another  victim  of 
their  rage,  if  their  attention  had  not  been  diverted  to  a 
woman,  who  had  sought  refuge  in  his  houss.  They  fol- 
lowed  her  into  the  kitchen,  whither  she  had  run  for 
safety.  Mr-  Hope  made  oflF  amidst  her  agonizing 
screams,  and  when  he  returned  to  his  house,  he  was  told 
by  his  domestics  that  their  horrid  purposes  were  ac- 
complished.    This  I  had  from  him. 

How  far  this  violation  extended,  will  never  be  known. 
Women  will  not  publish  what  they  consider  their  own 
shame,  and  the  men  in  town  were  carefully  watched  and 
guarded.  But  enough  is  known  to  induce  the  belief  of 
the  existence  of  many  other  cases,  and  enough  to  fire 
every  manly  bosom  with  the  irrepressible  desire  of 
revenge.  . 

1  am  not  disposed  to  tire  the  public  patience,  or  1 
could  tell  of  enormities  litde  inferior  to  the  above.  But 
the  enemv  are  convicted  of  robbery,  rape,  and  murder, 
and  it  is  unnecessary  to  add  to  the  catalogue  of  their 
crimes. 

Men  of  Virginia!  will  you  permit  all  this?  Fathers  and 
brothers  and  husbands,  will  you  fold  your  arms  in  apathy, 
and  only  curse  vour  despoilers?  No,  you  will  fly  with  ge- 
nerous emulation  to  the  unfurled  standard  of  your  coun- 
try. You  will  imitate  the  example  of  those  generous 
spirits,  who  are  even  now  in  crowds,  tendering  their  servi- 


I 


i«r 


led  the  woman 
hem  had  grati- 
hy  the  gentle- 
kins  confirmed 
least  two  other 
,  giving  up  the 
[1  who  suffered, 
ttsd  by  an  offi- 
st  of  all  calami* 

jor  Crulchfield 
seized  by  these 
venofhis  ahoes 
tie  way  into  his 
Talwere  held  to 
for  a  considera- 
lother  victim  of 
en  diverted  to  a 
1S2.  They  fol- 
ic had  run  for 
her  agonizing 
use,  he  was  told 
poses  were  ac- 

lever  be  known* 
jsider  their  own 
lly  watched  and 
uce  the  belief  of 
d  enough  to  fire 
jsible    desire   of 

c  patience,  or  I 
he  above.  But 
)e,  and  murder, 
ualogue  of  their 

lis?  Fathers  and 
r  arms  in  apathy, 
i  will  fly  with  ge- 
d  of  your  coun- 
f  those  generous 
iering  their  servi- 


ces to  the  commander  in  chief;  who  are  pourttig  from  their 
native  mountains,  and  soliciting  toba  led  against  the  ene- 
my wherever  he  dares  to  show  his  face.  You  will  prove 
yourselves  worthy  of  the  immortal  honor  that  the  enem^i' 
has  conferred  upon  you  in  selecting  you  as  the  ©bject  of 
his  vergeance.  You  will  neglect  for  a  time  ail  civil  pur- 
suits* and  occupations,  and  devote  yourselves  to  the  art,  a 
knowledge  of  which  the  enemy  has  made  necessary.  You 
ipeill  learn  to  commwd;  to  obey:  and  with  "  Hampton"  as 
your  watch  word — tocmquer. 

P.* 


1^ 


YORK,4//6y«/i/,18l3, 

SIR, 

Anxious  to  effect  as  early  as  passible,  the  objects  of 
the  flag  entrusted  to  us  by  you  on  the  1st  instant,  we  pro- 
ceeded, immediately  after  receiving  your  despatches  for 
Admiral  Warren  and  General  i  aylor,  t»  Hampton.  On 
our  arrival  at  the  latter  place,  some  difficttlty  arose  in  pro- 
curing a  vessel  to  convey  us  to  the  British  flectj  and  after 
some  delay  we  were  compelled  to  embark  in  a  small, 
open,  four  oared  boat,  the  only  one  it  seemed,  which  the 
fury  of  the  enemy  had  left  capable  of  floating.  We  pro- 
ceeded to  the  fleet  of  the  enemy  with  the  utmost  despatch 
which  our  little  skiff",  and  the  excessive  heat  of  the  day, 
would  permit;  and  when  distant  from  the  Admiral's  ship 
about  a  half  mile  were  met  and  hailed  by  a  barge  of  the 
onemy,  the  oflicer  of  which  was  informed  we  had  des- 
patches for  Admiral  Warren.  We  were  invited  iuto  the 
barge,  which  invitation  we  accepted,  as  well  to  relieve 
ourselves  from  the  corifinement  on  board  our  little  vessel, 
to  lighten  as  much  as  possible  the  burthen  of  our  oars- 
men, and  to  proceed  with  as  much  expedition  as  was 
practicable  to  obtain  the  objects  of  our  mission.  On  our 
arrival  at  the  Admiral's  ■hhip  (the  San  Domingo;  we 

•  Believed,  upon  good  authority,  to  he  Colonel  RiiiKaid  fi-  Parker,  «ff 
■Wesmnortland  county,  Virginia. 


it 


188 


were   directed  to  proceed  to  the  "  Sceptre,"  a  line  of 
battle  ship  on  which  we  were  informed  Admiral  l>ock- 
burn  had  recendy  hoisted  his  Hag.     Arriving  along  side 
of  tliis  ship  we  were  desired  by  the  officer  of  the  barge  t» 
ascend  the  ship.     Upon  our  reaching  the  deck  we  found 
a  large  assemblage  of  officers — certainly  a  greater  number 
than  could  be  necessarily  attached  to  a  single  ship.     la 
the  space  of  ten  minutes  the  two  Admirals,  Warren  and 
Cockburn,  approached;  to  the  former,  we  delivered  your 
despatches,  who,  upon  perusal,  evinced  embarrassment, 
and  after  a  short  pause,  said  that  the  principal  object  of  the 
flag  appeared  to  be,  to  procure  supplies  for  your  hospital. 
He  was  answered  in  the  affirmative.     Could  not  these 
supplies  have  been  as  easily  and  early  procured  from 
Richmond  as  from    Norfolk?     We   thought  not.     The 
Admiral  then  said  he  would  refl(ict  upon  the  subject,  and 
return   us  an  answer   soon,   and  retired  with   Admiral 
Cockburn  to  the  cabin  of  the  ship.     A   period   of  about 
fifteen  minutes  then  elapsed,  when    Admiral  Cockbura 
advanced,  and  addressing  Major  Griffin,  informed  him, 
that  the  Admiral  would  see  him  in  the  cabin.     Upon 
Major   Griffin's   reaching  the  cabin,  the  two  Admirals 
only  with   him,   Admiral   Warren   again  repeated   the 
opinion  that  the  hospital  supplies  could  be  as  expeditious- 
ly procured  from  Richmond  as  from  Norfolk,  saying,  it 
was  contrary  to  their  regulations  to  permit  even  a  flag  to 
go  to   Norfolk;  that  it  was  their  intention  to  land   Mr. 
King,  who  went  with  the  flag,  at  Seawell's  Point,  and 
jointly  with  Admiral  Cockburn,  expressed  an  unwilling- 
ness to  permit  the  flag  to  proceed.     They  were  answered 
that  if  the  flag  was  permitted  to  proceed,  the  supplies 
could  be  procured  sooner  than  if  the  flag  was  compelled 
to  return,  certainly  in  the  course  of  the  following  day; 
that  if  compelled  to  resort  to  Richmond,  three  days,  pro- 
bably  more,  would  pass  before  the  stores  could  reach 
Hampton;  that  our  wounded  and  sick  were  suffering  tor 
medicine  and  necessaries;  that  .ill  the  medicine,  private 
as    well    as    public    property,  had   been    wantonly    de- 
stroyed by  the   troops  who  lately   captured    Hampton; 
and  that    the   supplies  absolutely   required  for  the  use 
of    the    hospital,    could    not    be    procured    in    Hamp- 
ton.    The  Admiral  said  he  had  heard  that  the  hospi- 
tals had  received  some  supplies.     He  visa  asked  from 


ptre,"  a  line  of 
Admiral  (>ock- 
vin5  along  side 
■  of  the  barge  tf» 
deck  we  found 
greater  number 
single  ship.     In. 
kls,  Warren  and 
deUvered  your 
embarrassment, 
ipal  object  of  the 
ir  your  hospital, 
iould  not  these 
procured  from 
aght  not.     The 
the  subject,  and 
[  with  Admiral 
>eriod   of  about 
miral  Cockburn 
,  informed  himj 
e  cabin.     Upon 
e  two  Admirals 
in   repeated   the 
;  as  expeditious- 
rfolk,  saying,  it 
lit  even  a  flag  to 
ion  to  land  Mr. 
rtrell's  Point,  and 
:d  an  unwilling- 
y  were  answered 
ed,  the  supplies 
g  was  compelled 
;  following  day; 
three  days,  pro- 
(res  could  reacl* 
vere  suffering  for 
nedicine,  private 
n    wantonly    de- 
tured    Hamptonj 
ired  for  the  use 
ired    in     Hamp- 
I  that  the  hospi- 
\va3  asked  from 
• 


189 

whence,  and    assured  it  was   not  the    case.      Finding 
the  Admiral  btill  hesitating,  Major  Griffin  said  "  that  ihf 
reputed   humanity  of  Admiral   Warren,  forl)id    Major 
CrutchficlJ  to  doul)t  that  the  application  for  the  passage 
ufafliig  to  Norfolk,  would  be  refused."      After  a  short 
pause  Major  Cirithn  was  informed  that  the  flag  miglu  pro- 
ceed, upon  condition  of  returning  along-side  ihe  ship,  in 
the  same  vessel,  with  the  same  |K;rsuiis,  and  with  no  in- 
crease   of  persons.     The  restriction  to  the  stimf  vcsnf/, 
was  combated  on  the  ground,  that  in  the  eveiUofmu(.h 
wind,  the  lioat  was  too  small  to  navigate  the  roads,  and 
thus  the  oljject  of  the  flag  would  be  defeated.   But  finding 
no  relaxation  in  the  condition  probable,  it  was  determin- 
ed, upon  consultation  with   Lieutenant  Lively,  to   pro- 
ceed.    Upon  the  subject  of  prisoners,  Admiral  Warreu 
acknowledged  one  only,  to  be  in  the  fleet,  taken  at  Hamp- 
ton.   He  declined  all  arrangement,  and  avoided  all  discus- 
sion on  this  topic,  saying  he  had  opened  correspondence 
with  General  Taylor,  but  nothing  was  decided.     Keliitive 
to  the  oflicers'  baggage  captured  in  Hampton,  ihe  Admiral 
said  that  such  articles  as  had  been  found,  had   lieen  re- 
stored,  and   mentioned   the   papers   of  Captain    Pryor, 
which  had  been  placed  in  the  care  of  Captain  Myers   of 
Norfolk,  and  assured   Major  Grithn  that  he  would  direct 
Sir  Sidney    Beckwith   to   inquire   further,   and   if    any 
should  be   discovered  it  would  be   made  known  to  us 
on  our  return.     We  were  then  informed  we  might  pro- 
ceed, which  we  immediately  did,  and  reaching  Norfolk 
after  3  P.  M.  repaired  to  (ieneral  Taylor's  quarters,  who 
directed  the  supplies  written  for  by  the  suigeons.     Ke- 
turning  on  the  2d,  we  were  as  customary,  again  met  by 
a  barge  of  the  enemy,  and  desired  to  call  on  board  the 
Admiral's  ship:  we  entered  the  ship  with  the  officer  of 
the  barge,  and  were  received  by  the  Capta'ui,  who   in- 
quired if  we  had  despatches  for  t!^e  Admiral.     Being  in- 
formed we  were  the  returning  i^  ,!   hat  had  proceeded  to 
Norfolk  the  day  before,  the  Capuiui  retired  to  the  cabin, 
and  shortly  returned  with   information  ihat  we   might 
proceed   when   we   pleased;   tliis  we  did,  and  deposited 
with  Doctor  Colton   the   medical  and  hospital  supplies 
sen.  from  Norfolk. 

Upon  our  reaching  Hampton,  a  scene  of  desolation 

25 


190 

and  dcRtruction  presented  itself.     The  few  inhabitant*  W* 
found  in  town,  seemed  not  yet  to  have  recovered  from 
their  alarm;  dismay  and  consternation  Hat  on  every  coun- 
tenance.    Ueports  had  reached  us  of  the  violence  and 
uncontrolled  fury  of  the  enemy  after  they  obtained  pos- 
session of  the  place.     Their  conduct  in  some  cases  being 
represented  such  as  would  have  disgraced  the  days  of 
Vandalism.     Our  feelings  were   much  excited,  and  we 
deemed  it  our  duty  to  pursue  the  inquiry  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable, and  arc  sorry  to  say,  that  from  all  the  information 
wc  could  procure  from  sources  too  respectable  to  permit 
us  to  doubt,  we  arc  compelled  to  believe  that  acts  of 
violence  have  been  perpetrated,  which  have   disgraced 
the  age  in  which  wc  live.     The  sex  hitherto  guarded  by 
the  soldier's  honor,  escaped  not  the  rude  assaults  of  supe- 
rior force;  nt>»"  could  disease  disarm  the  foe  of  his  leroci* 
ty.      The  apology  that  these  atrocities  were  committed  by 
the  French  soldiers  attached  to  the  British  forces  now  in 
our  waters,  appeared  to  us  no  justification  of  those  who 
employed  them,  believing,  as  we  do,  that  an  officer  is,  or 
sbo»!ld  be,  ever  responsible  for  tho  conduct  of  the  troops 
under  his  command. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  humble  servants. 

fSiRued)  THOMAS  GRIFFIN, 

^  KOUEHT  LlVi-LY. 

To  Major  CrutchftcU,  commandant^  Tork. 


* 


^,*><Pi»ii,>  ' 


vinhahitanU  Wt! 
recovered  from 
t  on  every  coun- 
le  violence  and 
;y  obtained  pos- 
ome  cases  being 
:ed  the  days  ^f 
Excitedf  and  we 
'  as  far  as  prac« 
I  the  information 
ctable  to  permit 
eve  that  acts  of 
have  disgraced 
lerto  guarded  by 
assaults  of  supe- 
foe  of  his  feroci- 
!re  committed  by 
sh  forces  now  in 
on  of  those  who 
It  an  officer  is,  or 
uctofthe  troops 

ale  scrvantSt 

GRIFFIN, 
LIVELY. 


ADDENDA. 

WASHINGTON  CITY,  yuly  30, 1813. 

From  William  Berry,  tnidshlfiman  in  the  frigate   Clma- 

peake. 

SIR 

I  consider  myself  bound  to  lay  before  you  w  at 
came  under  my  knowledge  while  on  board  the  Chesa- 
peake, as  well  as  on  board  the  Shannon.  -.  .      , . 

After  the  enemy  had  complete  possession  ol  the  ship 
midshipmen  Randolph  and  Flushman  were  ordeml  Iruin 
the   fore  and  main  top.     In  coming  down  the  shrouds 
Lieut.  Falkner  (the  British  officer)  saul  to  his   men,  kill 
those  damned  rascals.      Then,  and  immeduUely,  several 
muskets  were   discharged   at  them  but   without  effect. 
My  station  was  ir.  the  mizen  top,  where  I  had  an  oppor- 
tunity  of  seeing  their  actions.     I    was   looking  on   deck 
when  1  saw  one  if  the  Chesapeake's  nien  crawling  along, 
attempting  to  get  below,  with  one  of  his  legs  off.     One  ot 
the  enemy  stepped  up  to  him  with  his  cudass,  and  i nunc- 
diately  put  an  end  to  his  existence.     Lieutenant   l  ;i  kner 
looked  up  in  the  mizen  top;  pointmgatme,  said  he  to 
his  men  go  up  three  of  you  and  throw  that  damned 
Yankee  overboard.  They  immediately  rushed  up,  seizing 
me  by  the  colhirj    now  said  they  you  damned  yankee 
vou  shall  swim  fqr  it,  attempting  to  throw  mc  overboard; 
but  I  got  within  the  rigging,  when  one  olth-.m  kicked 
me  in  the  breast,  which  was  the  cause  ol  my  falling:  being 
stunned  by  the  fall,  I  lay  some  time  senseless,  and  wh'jn 
I  came  to,  I  was  cut  over  the  head  with  a  cutlass,  which 
nearly  terminated  my  existence      Eleven  o    our  mid- 
shipmen were  confined  in  a  small  place,  9  feet  by  6,  w  th 
an  old  sail  to  lay  on,  and  a  guard  at  the  door,  unti  a  day 
or   two    before    our  arrival  at  Halifax:     and  likewise 
eleven  of  us  upon  five  rations,  and  some  days  only  one 
meal.    Our  clothes  were  taken  on  board o  f  the  bhannoii; 
Lieutenant  Wallis,  the  commanding  officer  on  board, 
would  not  let  us  take  our  clothes  below  with  us.  but 
pledged  his  word  and  honor  as  an  officer,  we  should  re- 


4m 


*  190 

ceive  our  clothes.  But  we  discovered  »ext  morning  that 
their  midshipmen  had  on  our  clothes  and  side  arms.  We 
were  conversing  together  respecting  our  elothes — one  of 
their  midshipmen  overheard  our  conversation,  and  made 
a  report  to  the  Lieutenant  commanding.  He  then  sent 
word  to  us  that  if  we  said  any  thing  more  about  the 
clothes,  he  would  put  us  in  the  fore-hold  with  the  men. 
We  expected  to  receive  our  clothes  wlien  we  arrivad 
in  port,  but  I  assure  yon.  Sir,  nothing  was  ever  restored. 
Other  rascallv  things  occurred,  which  our  officers  will, 
when  they  return,  make  known  to  the  public,  disgraceful 
to  a  civilized  nativHi.  If  your  request  could  have  been  made 
sooner,  I  should  have  felt  gratified  in  making  a  fuller 
statement. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the  highest  respect, 

WILLIAM  BERRY. 

Honorable  L.  Condi l^  Washington. 

Another  circumstance  took  place  on  l)oard  which  es- 
tirely  escaped  my  memory  until  this  moment.  Several 
of  the  officers  had  mv)iiey  taken  from  them  which  they  re- 
ceived from  tlie  Cliesapeake  as  prize  money.  Mr. 
Higinbotha  u  as  nearl)-  as  I  can  recollect,  had  upwards  of 
130  dollars. 


GKORGbVrOWN,  Juhj -mh,  1813. 

aiK, 

Having  perused  a  letter  of  yours  to  Mr.  Berry,  re- 
questing inlormatiou  respecting  the  treatment  of  the 
American  officerrj  and  seamen  of  the  late  Chesapeake,  I 
consider  myself  liound  Sir,  to  lay  before  you  what  came 
under  my  knowledge.  My  having  been  wounded  and 
remaining  on  board  the  Chesapeake,  miglit  not  give  me 
that  scope  for  observation  which  others  possessed;  but 
1  am  sorry  to  say  many  things  transpired  disgracei'ul  te 


r».f*«MMt>.. ^ 


■ext  morning  that 
nd  side  arms.  We 
ir  ilothes— one  of 
rsation,  and  made 
g.  He  then  sent 
ig  more  about  the 
old  with  the  men. 
wlien  we  arrivad 
was  ever  restored, 
h  our  officers  will, 
public,  disgraceful 
dd  have  been  made 
n  making  a  fuller 

ghest  respect, 

lAM  BERRY. 


I  I)oard  which  ea- 
moment.  Several 
lem  which  they  re- 
ze  money.  Mr. 
ct,  had  upwards  of 


lihj  SOtb,  1813. 

to  Mr.  Berry,  re- 
treatment  of  the 
late  Chesapeake,  I 
re  you  what  came 
een  wounded  and 
liglit  not  give  me 
ers  possessed;  but 
)ired  disgracei'ul  to 


193 

the  character  of  a  bravo    enemy.    Whilst  Undressing 
myself  in  the  steerage,  after  the  Americans  were  driven 
below  or   had  surrendered,   and  after  resistance    had 
ceased,   I  believe  entirely,   several  muskets  and  pistols 
were  at  once  pointed  down  the  hatchway,  and  discharged 
in  the  direction  of  the  cockpit;  and  as  the  steerage  and 
«ockpit  were  filled  with  the  wounded,   in  all  probability 
some  of  them  were  killed  outright.     It  was  midshipman 
Hopewell,  and  not  Livingston,  who  was  so  inhumanly 
treated,  as  described  in  the  public  prints      It  has  be-n 
the  custom  in  our  navy,  to  take  the  side-arms  ot  r^ftcers 
(prisoners)  but  to  restore  them  on  their  loavmg  the  ship. 
Ours  were  taken,  worn,  and  never    restored.  tog<   her 
with  what  nautical  instruments  they  could  lay  then-  aauds 
on.     When  spoke.i  to  by  the  American  olfirors  on  the 
Bubiect,  the  answer  was,  sur'i  things  "-ere  fiee  plunder. 
A  day  or  two   after  the  action,   I  «        convcrsmg  with 
Lieutenant  Budd  and  Mr.  Nicholls,  near  the  ttiffil,  re- 
specting  the  engagement,  when  it  was  observed  some  ot 
the  Shannon's  men  were  listening  to  our  conversation. 
Immediately  after,  Lieutenant  Faulkner,  the  comniand- 
ing  officer,  ordered  sentinels  to  be  placed  at  the  mizen- 
mast.     And   said  he  to  them,   if  you  see  any   of  the 
Chesapeake's  officers  abafc    the  mizen  mast,  cut  them 
dowt»;  if  you  see  them   conversing  together,  cut  them 
down  without  hesitation.     It  will  be  remembered   the 
three  officers  who   caused  this  order,  were  all  severely 
wounded.     We  received  no  caution,  and  overheard  it  by 
accident.     So  great  was  the  rage  for  plunder,  that  Capt. 
Lawrence  before   his  death,  could  not  obtain  a  bottle 
c;  wine  from  his  private  sea  stores,  without  a  note  from 
the  doctor  to  the  Lieutenant  commanding.     I  pass   over 
the  robbing  of  the  midshipmen,  on  board  the  Shannon,  as 
it  did  not  come  under  my  immediate  notice.     If  your 
request  could  have   been   made   earlier,   I  should  have 
felt  gratified  in  making  a  fuller  statement. 

Yours  respectfully, 

WM.  A.  WEAVKR. 


.1 


Uon.  Inv'/x  Gondii,  Wash'mglort, 


F»^.  w^^: 


